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Govt presses on with Papua Games despite security, virus concerns
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Venues for the 2021 National Games (PON) are pictured in Papua, including the soccer, diving and track and field venues. The Public Works and Housing Ministry said on July 24 that five venues had received international certifications and had been handed over to the local government. (PUPR handout/-)
T
he government is pressing ahead with plans to hold the 20th National Games (PON) in Papua, despite security concerns deepened by a recent attack on Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and reservations about holding such a large event during the ongoing pandemic.
The games are scheduled to take place from Oct. 2 to 15 in and around Jayapura, as well as in the regencies of Mimika and Merauke.
Nearly 6,500 athletes from throughout the country will compete at the quadrennial games, some of whom are set to arrive in Papua on Sept. 20 to take part in preliminary matches held ahead of the opening ceremony.
The event will be followed by the National Paralympic Games from Nov. 2 to 15.
The two national sporting competitions were initially scheduled for last year but were postponed over COVID-19 concerns. This year, the government says it is confident that it will be able to hold the games as planned in Papua and that they will be safe from security issues, despite a recent attack on a TNI post in Maybrat, West Papua.
Read also: COVID-19: Ministry, House agree to postpone 2020 PON in Papua
Early on Thursday morning, some 30 Papuan rebels ambushed a military outpost in Maybrat, West Papua. The attack killed at least four soldiers and injured two others.
