Jokowi Inaugurates PON 2024 Arenas: 18 Venues, Costing Rp811 Billion

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially inaugurated the 2024 National Sports Week (PON 2024) arena in Banda Aceh on Monday, September 9, 2024. This arena is the result of extensive rehabilitation, renovation, and new construction projects.

“To support the successful implementation of PON XXI in Aceh and North Sumatra, we have undertaken significant renovation and construction efforts of venues across Aceh Province,” the President said in his speech at the inauguration ceremony held at the H. Dimurthala Stadium, as quoted from video broadcast in Jakarta on Monday, September 9, 2024.

A total of 18 venues have been built or renovated at a cost of Rp811 billion, spread across Banda Aceh, Aceh Besar Regency, Pidie, Central Aceh Regency, and various locations in North Sumatra.

The state head urged all parties, especially local governments, to meticulously maintain and utilize these newly constructed venues. He expressed his concern about the potential neglect or damage of these facilities after the conclusion of PON XXI, as seen in previous national sports events.

“I do not want the facilities built with such a substantial investment of Rp811 billion to be left unattended or suffer deterioration after PON is over,” Jokowi emphasized. He called upon governors, regents, and mayors to professionally manage the use of these venues to ensure their long-term preservation and functionality.

“Let’s use these arenas as platforms to recruit and develop exceptional sports talents. These venues can serve as training grounds for athletes from Aceh to enhance their performance and compete at both national and international levels,” he continued.

The inauguration ceremony was marked by the pressing of a siren button and the signing of a commemorative inscription. Following the ceremony, the President conducted a tour of the H. Dimurthala Stadium.

PON 2024 marks a historic milestone as the first national multi-event sports event to be held simultaneously in two provinces: Aceh and North Sumatra. A total of 65 sports, 87 disciplines, and 1,042 matches will be contested across 20 regencies/cities in both provinces.

This event will also serve as a showcase for regional sports achievement development, and four new autonomous regions—Southwest Papua, Papua Mountains, Central Papua, and South Papua—will make their debut. Additionally, the new capital city of Nusantara (IKN) will also participate in the competition.

At least 13,000 athletes will compete for glory until the closing ceremony of PON 2024, which is scheduled for September 20, 2024.

ANTARA

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