Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has pledged to evaluate the 21st National Games (PON) organization in Aceh and North Sumatra following widespread complaints over poor and incomplete infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) office at the Danareksa Tower in Jakarta, Jokowi said he would evaluate all aspects of the organization of the national sports event held from Sept. 9-20, including issues of athletes' food, venues and accommodation.
"Everything related to government activities is always evaluated for future improvements," he said on Tuesday, as uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel.
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo were seen accompanying Jokowi in the press statement.
The organizers of the 21st PON in both provinces have been landed in hot water after athletes complained about poor facilities at the quadrennial event, including dirty changing rooms and bathrooms, inadequate food supply and difficult access to sporting venues.
The government has allocated Rp 811 billion (US$52.7 million) from the state budget for sporting venues, and Rp 42.5 billion to pay for catering for the competition participated in by 13,000 athletes in 65 sporting events.
The National Police quickly moved by dispatching a team to launch a probe into alleged budget misuse in the PON organization. Officials from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Attorney General's Office and the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKB) also tagged along.
National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo that the police would coordinate closely with the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry to investigate the corruption allegations.
Dito has previously apologized for the inadequate facilities and pledged to take stern action against the organizers if any misappropriation of funds is found. (jan)
Source: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2024/09/17/jokowi-pledges-to-evaluate-pon-organization.htm