Panji Satrio, Jakarta – A viral video on social media recently exposed inadequate and poorly nutritious meals provided to athletes at the 21st National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh and North Sumatra, sparking widespread criticism.
Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo responded to the complaints, confirming that the meals have since been evaluated and improved. After receiving reports of substandard food in Aceh, swift action was taken.
"We addressed the complaints, and by the next day, the quality of meals was improved and distributed properly. In North Sumatra, I've personally checked, and feedback from chefs confirms the quality has increased," Dito said after inspecting the indoor volleyball venue in Deli Serdang on Friday.
Dito pledged ongoing oversight to ensure the 2024 PON runs smoothly. He noted the logistical challenges of serving large volumes of food three times daily to athletes. "We're continuing to enhance the quality. In North Sumatra alone, over 20,000 meals are served per shift. This experience will strengthen local capacity for future large-scale events," he added.
Earlier, another viral issue involved the access road to the indoor volleyball venue, which had become flooded and muddy, forcing athletes to use an excavator for transport. Following public backlash, road improvements were fast-tracked, making it accessible for vehicles, though work is still ongoing.
Dito also revealed suspicions of fund mismanagement during the PON and has reported the matter to the police. The National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) will investigate potential corruption. This year's PON, featuring nearly 13,000 athletes, is the first to be held across two provinces – Aceh and North Sumatra – and runs until September 20 with 65 sports events.