In his remarks, the President invited the Indonesian people to celebrate the very first PON to be held in Papua with joy, good sportsmanship, strengthened brotherhood, togetherness, equality, national unity and integrity.
"Let us show our participation in ensuring the success of this great event," said President Jokowi in his opening remarks at Lukas Enembe Stadium of Kampung Harapan, Jayapura Regency, Papua Province on Saturday (2/10/2021).
The Head of State is optimistic that PON Papua will bring positive impacts in accelerating regional development.
"Huwe foi, onomi rehmay, wa wa wa, salam olahraga," said the President closing his remarks.
The first two sentences are greetings in Papuan language which is used by local community in their daily lives.
Huwe foi and onomi rehmay is from the Sentani language which means good night, welcome and God Bless.
While the expression "wa wa wa" comes from a language used by people in the mountainous region of Papua. The expression is usually used to start or close a conversation.
Previously, the National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marciano Norman and Papua Governor Lukas Enembe who is also the Executive Chairperson of the PON XX Papua Organizing Committee (PB PON), also delivered their remarks.
The wailing sound of the siren and the lighting of the PON XX cauldron by Papua legendary athletes marked the opening of the quadrennial sports event.
The opening ceremony was more enlivened as fireworks performance started, marking that the opening ceremony of the PON XX Papua 2021 has been held.
Indonesian celebrities, such as Raffi Ahmad, Intan Saumadina, Piter Ginuny, and Irsa Yoku who hosted the opening ceremony added to the excitement of the evening's celebration.
A number of ministers from the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, governors from a number of provinces including West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil and Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, and other invited guests were seen attending the ceremony which was almost as festive as the opening of the ASIAN Games in Jakarta in 2018.
The opening ceremony of PON XX Papua 2021 was also enlivened by the performances of top singers and musicians, such as D'Uzzy, Kaonak Group Papua, Tulus, Ruth Sahanaya, Michael Jakarimilena, Nowela Elizabeth Auparay, Vien Mangku ft. Qhiba Mansawan, Joanita Chatarine, Papua Original, Edo Kondologit, Lea Simanjuntak, Trio Papua, Albert Fakdawer, Oyandi Voice, and not to forget, Gema Chandra Choir of Cenderawasih University.(inp)
