Jakarta (ANTARA) - Papua is not only rich in natural resources but also full of talented human resources, which has been evident in the successful implementation of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON), Vice President Ma'ruf Amin said.
"It shows that Papua has become the elite power of national sports," he remarked at the closing ceremony of the national sports event at the Lukas Enembe Stadium in Harapan village, Sentani sub-district, Jayapura district, Papua province on Friday evening.
The talents of the Papuan people will be the key to improving the welfare of the Land of the Bird-of-Paradise (‘Bumi Cenderawasih’, the title of Papua).
“The talents will bring advancement and prosperity to Papua,” Vice President Amin said.
By involving them in managing natural resources in Papua, it will be ensured that the resources provide the greatest benefit to the Papuan community, including the indigenous people, he added.
Hence, Amin encouraged all stakeholders in Papua to work hard to maintain the existing potential so that development acceleration can be realized immediately.
"We must continue to work hard to improve Papuan talents, thus they can thrive in all aspects to expedite the people’s welfare in Papua," he said.
The Vice President also congratulated the host athletes for their achievement. The Papua contingent ranked fourth after bagging 93 gold medals, 66 silver medals, and 102 bronze medals.
"In addition to the successful implementation of the XX Papua PON, I would like to congratulate the Papua contingent’s achievements, which has improved from the eighth place at the 2016 West Java PON to the fourth place in this edition," he added.
Meanwhile, West Java became the champion of the XX Papua PON after collecting a total of 353 medals, comprising 133 gold medals, 105 silver medals, and 115 bronze medals. (*)
