The XX National Sports Week (PON) 2021 will come within months. This National sports event is initially scheduled for last year but held back to October this year due to the pandemic condition. This year’s event is going to be special because PON will be held for the first time in West Papua. Many new sports infrastructures have been built and prepared to welcome all Indonesian athletes who are ready to compete for medals. Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Mimika Regency, and Merauke Regency are the regions to host the sports celebration. Besides being held for the first time in the easternmost province of Indonesia, there are other fascinating facts about Papua PON 2021. Let’s find out more.
Papua Light Festival
Because PON is getting closer, the PON committee held the Papua Light Festival during 2021 New Year’s Eve. This festival, however, was held virtually because the number of the Covid-19 coronavirus was still worrying. The Papua Light Festival was streamed via the official Facebook and Youtube accounts of PON XX Papua 2021. The streaming show presented various artistic and cultural performances from Papuan artists and artists from Jakarta. The show itself was held on a craft tank landing ship in Youtefa bay, Jayapura. Through this Festival, people all over Indonesia can see the stunning and captivating nature of West Papua.
Two Exotic Animal as Mascots
Here are other fascinating facts about Papua PON 2021. As the host, West Papua has prepared two endemic animals named Kangpho and Drawa. Kangpho is taken from the name of kanguru pohon mantel emas or golden mantle tree kangaroo [Dendrolagus pulcherrimus]. Kangpho is an endemic animal in West Papua. Most people consider kangaroos as the original animal of Australia. However, Kangpho will almost be found in Papua forest areas. Meanwhile, the other mascot namely Drawa is taken from the name of Cendrawasih [Paradisaeidae]. This paradise bird is the unique typical bird from the land of West Papua. For Papuan locals, this bird is also considered sacred.
The Official Song That Is Still a Mystery
PON 2021 official song will become fascinating facts about Papua PON 2021 as well because the committee deliberately hides their official anthem. The anthem will be broadcasted for the first time at the opening ceremony on October 2, 2021. On why they decide to make it a secret is because they want it to make it a precious surprise. The committee gives a little leak about the song itself. The official anthem will tell about the beauty of Papuan culture, togetherness, and solidarity among the nation’s children. Through PON XX, West Papua wants to promote its culture, tourism, and other aspects to all participants who come. The opening and closing ceremony will involve 80 percent of indigenous Papuans.
“Torang Bisa” Becomes the Tagline
While the official song is still a mystery, the Papua PON committee has introduced their Papuan characteristically tagline called “Torang Bisa”. “Torang Bisa” is how locals on this island show encouragement and deliver positive vibes and spirit. The Minister of Communication and Informatics, Johnny G. Plate also explains that this tagline show enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and optimism. In addition to that, “Torang Bisa” is perfect to show the readiness of Papua to host this event amidst the pandemic condition. During this pandemic, Papua will carry out PON 2021 by implementing strict health protocols. This tagline also shows that Papua is ready to welcome athletes from all over Indonesia to compete.
Noken Papua PON Edition
Besides choosing Papuan authentic as the mascots and tagline, Papua has also chosen an iconic souvenir for Papua PON. Noken bags, bags made from traditional Papuan indigenous crafts, will be given as souvenirs at the sports event. These bags become Papuan local wisdom because it carries a unique philosophy. Papuan locals and noken have very strong social and emotional ties. Noken is not just simply bags to carry things but owns a strong bond between the maker, the user, and the object itself. Noken even makes the relationship between humans and nature even closer. These traditional handicrafts are made from plants such as pandanus, orchids, and others.
Papua Bangkit Logo
The Papua Bangkit or Papua Rise logo holds a million meanings. Papua Bangkit logo is taken from the Papua Bangkit Stadium, Papua’s new splendid sports field. This stadium is said to have a likeness with the second-largest football stadium in the world, Salt Lake in India. It has a towering triangular shape which represents the geographical contours of Papua. The logo also has an engraving that speaks for the cultural diversity of Papua. Then, there are also three red, yellow, and green Olympic circles which hold a meaning of Achievement, Sportivity and Solidarity that will unite people in sport but still keep firmly to one nationality, one language, and one homeland, Indonesia.
The Light Festival, mascots, official anthem, tagline, indigenous souvenirs, and logo are only a few fascinating facts about Papua PON 2021. West Papua will surprise us all with other many great things when the XX PON is finally held. Let’s get ourselves ready to be amazed by the beauty of Papua.
