Countdown to the implementation of the 21st National Sports Week (PON) in Aceh-North Sumatra (Sumut) 2024 has begun, precisely 117 days before Indonesian President Joko Widodo officially opens it at Harapan Bangsa Lhong Raya Stadium, Aceh. Therefore, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Prof. Dr. Muhadjir Effendy, M. AP. led a meeting to expedite preparations.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Central General (ret) TNI Marciano Norman accompanied by KONI Central Deputy Chairman I General (ret) TNI Dr. Suwarno, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Home Affairs General Police (ret) Prof. Drs. H. Muhammad Tito Karnavian, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Acting Governor of Aceh Bustami Hamzah, and Acting Governor of North Sumatra Major General (ret) Dr. Hassanudin.
“As the Chairman of KONI Central, I appreciate this ministerial-level meeting. With the time remaining, we must intensify coordination and support each other to make the 21st PON in Aceh-Sumut 2024 a success. The support of various parties is crucial because building high-achieving sports is the responsibility of all Indonesians,” explained Marciano.
“Specifically, PON XXI must be utilized to the fullest extent by the host provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra. Besides being the first PON in the two provinces and being attended by the most provinces, which is 38, PON is once again held in Aceh and/or North Sumatra after a very long time. On one side, the multi-sport event must serve as a promotion that has an impact on the economic growth of the regions,” continued the Central KONI Chairman.
“Today’s meeting discussed Infrastructure, budget, potential, and cultural characteristics of each province. Regarding infrastructure, Menko PMK emphasized that the development is progressing according to plan.
“The Minister of Home Affairs urges all provincial governments to allocate budgets for their contingents competing in PON XXI, through the Regional Budget or Revised Regional Budget. Tito also advised each provincial government to coordinate with the Provincial KONI.
” Coordinate with the Provincial KONI to ensure their requests are fulfilled as much as possible. In the sense that they train separately because they represent each region, this becomes the burden and responsibility of each Governor,” continued the Minister of Home Affairs.
“Furthermore, Menko PMK also mentioned the need to increase the budget for PON XXI. “Additional budget for matches, Opening Ceremony, and Closing Ceremony will be allocated through additional spending proposed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs and will be processed by the Ministry of Finance. The additional budget for supporting infrastructure for PON XXI will be covered by the Provincial Governments of Aceh and North Sumatra as the hosts,” clarified Muhadjir.
The potential and cultural characteristics of each province were also discussed at this Ministerial Meeting, with the aim of advancing the economy, especially in the two host provinces of PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra 2024.
“North Sumatra is the same as other regions, including Aceh, we always harmonize in terms of diversity. With the presence of PON XXI, we are very open and welcome with happiness, hoping to have a positive impact and become a sports history that will be remembered by the public,” expressed the Acting Governor of North Sumatra.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs explained that there will be awards for the champions of PON XXI Aceh-North Sumatra 2024 in the context of development. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs will provide awards for the champions of PON XXI in the context of development, so that the potential of athlete achievements can continue to increase to international level,” explained Dito Ariotedjo.