Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Home Minister Tito Karnavian has asked all athletes, officials, organizing committee members, and spectators to comply with strict COVID-19 health protocols during Papua's PON National Games.
Karnavian's Ministerial Instruction No.46/2021 was conveyed by the Home Ministry's regional administration management director general, Safrizal, in a statement that ANTARA received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
"Complying with the health protocols is indispensable to make the country's biggest multi-sports event run successfully," Safrizal said.
According to the ministerial instruction, all participating athletes, officials, organizing committee members, spectators, and locals living near sporting venues must get vaccinated, he informed.
They all must get at least the first COVID-19 shot, he said. The number of spectators will be restricted and a viewing gathering, locally known as "nonton bareng", has been prohibited, he added.
To prevent COVID-19 spread during the convening of Papua's 20th PON National Games, the authorities must ensure that guests as well as spectators show valid PCR or antigen test results, he said.
All guests and visitors will also be required to carry bonafide vaccination certificates, Safrizal said, adding that medical facilities with healthcare workers have been set up in certain areas to serve those in need.
To this end, the Home Ministry is working with government agencies such as health offices, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), COVID-19 task force, and PON National Games organizing committee, he informed.
As part of the implementation of the 3M health protocols, the Home Ministry has planned to intensify its campaign to promote the wearing of masks in cities that will co-host the PON National Games, he said.
Papua has come under the spotlight of Indonesia's media outlets as it is scheduled to host this year's PON National Games and National Para Games (Peparnas).
The games will be held in Jayapura city and the districts of Jayapura, Mimika, and Merauke from October 2-15, while Peparnas will be held from November 2-15 this year.
At least 6,400 athletes and 3,500 officials from 34 provinces across Indonesia are expected to participate in the National Games, which will feature 37 events.
Meanwhile, 1,935 athletes and 740 officials will take part in the National Para Games in Jayapura city and Jayapura district, which will feature 12 events.
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