Irsyan Hasyim, Jakarta – The government called on all contingents not to concern about security issues for the XX National Sports Week, or PON 2020, in Papua, which is scheduled to be held from October 20 to November 2, 2020.

Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said concerns over the security in the country's easternmost province should not be worried. "There is nothing to worry about. Moreover, the event is directly led by the governor (Lukas Enembe)," said Zainudin at his office, Jakarta, Tuesday, January 21.

According to him, the Papua administration guaranteed the readiness and preparation of the national event both in terms of infrastructure and security. "This will be the same as PON in East Kalimantan, Riau, South Sumatra," Zainudin added.

Papua Governor Lukas Enembe seconded the minister's statement, underlining that his region was not much different from Jakarta and Sumatra Province. "We have the largest number of Indonesian Military and National Police personnel. So what are we afraid of? There is no problem," Lukas remarked.

Lukas went on to say that as a part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua is ready to host PON. "The event implementation in Papua will be a success," he shared optimism.

On Tuesday afternoon, Minister Zainudin received a visit of Papua Governor Lukas Enembe who also served as the Committee Head of the PON 2020. The session was also attended by the National Sports Committee (KONI) chairman Marciano Norman.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1298047/sports-minister-papua-governor-ensure-security-for-pon-202