For the first time ever since its inception in Surakarta in September 1948, later declared as the National Sports Day in 1985 , PON is held on the land of Papua. This year’s PON, having been moved back a year from its original schedule due to COVID-19, is taking place in four different clusters: Jayapura city and the neighboring regencies of Jayapura, Mimika and Merauke.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opened the two-week Games on Saturday at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura city.

At first, many had cast doubts over Papua's capacity and capability of hosting the Games. Those who have never visited Papua will associate this province with armed conflicts and slow development. In the past few years, violent incidents have occurred in this province, some claiming lives. As a result, many have considered Papua a dangerous place to visit.

In reality, Papua is not what they have imagined. The province is blessed with abundant resources, beautiful places and diverse cultures that represent five indigenous cultural zones: Mamta, Saereri, Anim Ha, La Pago and Mee Pago.

Despite past violent incidents, peace has prevailed in Papua as far as the organization of the PON is concerned. Before heading to Papua, many athletes and officials shared their worries about their own safety while competing in the Games. Yet when they arrived, these concerns promptly disappeared as they observed a different reality in Papua. They discovered that Papua is just the same as other provinces across the country. They have even been able to explore the beauty and peace of the easternmost province of Indonesia.

The fact that the PON finally arrived in Papua signifies President Jokowi's commitment to building Papua. Over the past few years, there have been a myriad of key infrastructure projects in in the region, which were aimed at connecting the people and economic potential of Papua.