Banten to host PON XXIII, prepares 44 arenas
Tangerang (ANTARA) - The Government of Banten Province is preparing 44 arenas for 28 sports as part of its readiness to host PON XXIII in 2032 together with Lampung Province.
Infrastructure such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Merak Port, the Serpong–Tanah Abang Commuter Line, as well as the Rangkasbitung–Tanah Abang and Rangkasbitung–Merak railway lines will facilitate access for athletes, officials, and all guests of PON XXIII, Governor Andra Soni said in a statement in Tangerang on Thursday.
In addition, land transport access is supported by a broad network of toll roads, including the Jakarta–Merak, Serpong–Cinere, Cengkareng–Batuceper, Sedyatmo, and Serang–Panimbang toll roads.
Banten also has international-standard stadiums with capacities in the tens of thousands ready to serve as the hub for the event. “We have the Banten International Stadium (BIS) located within the Sport Center Area. The stadium, with a capacity of 32,000 spectators, will be the main cluster for the execution of PON XXIII with an integrated sport-city concept connected to venues for multiple sports,” he said.
Some of the venues include Lebak Regency with Sungai Ciberang (rafting), Batalyon Mandala Yudha (shooting), and Pantai Marbella Tera (modern pentathlon). Pandeglang Regency, Pantai Tanjung Lesung (triathlon). Serang Regency, Pantai Bandulu (sailing) and Aula Kampus Untirta Sindangsari (muay thai). Cilegon City, Pantai Merak Kecil (open-water swimming and finswimming), ASA Swimming Pool (finswimming), Geger Stadium Cilegon, Krakatau Steel Stadium, and KS Tennis Court.
Next, in the City of Tangerang, GOR Gondrong (futsal), Modern Golf & Country Club, GOR Dimyati (indoor hockey), Green Lake Climbing Centre (climbing), Benteng Reborn Stadium (rugby), GOR Nambo (futsal), and Nambo Sport Center (field hockey).
South Tangerang City: Damai Indah Golf, Puspiptek Setu Field (woodball), Aula UT Pondok Cabe (judo), and Aula STAN Bintaro (judo). Serang City: UIN SMH Banten Campus Hall, KP3B, Wangsakara Bridge, Maulana Yusuf Stadium, and GOR Korem 064/Maulana Yusuf.
Andra added that, under the RPJMD for 2026–2029, the construction of several new arenas in the sport center area is targeted for completion by 2030.
“Facilities that will be fast-tracked include the Aquatic Arena (GOR Akuatik), Tennis Arena (GOR Lapangan Tenis), Basketball Arena (GOR Basket), Martial Arts Arena (GOR Beladiri), Field Hockey Pitch, Shooting Range, Badminton Indoor Arena (GOR Bulu Tangkis), BMX & Skateboard arena, and weightlifting arena,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) Center, Lieutenant General (Ret) Marciano Norman, stressed that the arena facilities, accommodation, transport, and supporting infrastructure in Banten Province are very comprehensive for hosting PON XXIII in 2032. On that basis, Marciano judged Banten to be highly suitable as hosts.
“Yes, Banten and Lampung are already suitable to be hosts,” Marciano said during the KONI 2026 National Working Meeting at the Pullman Central Park Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday.
Marciano explained that, based on a comprehensive site visit by the host-nation selection team, Banten has a large number of arena facilities, even more than required. “For example, we only need one golf course, but Banten offers seven. And for the marathon there are two, at PIK 2 and Tanjung Lesung, whereas we only need one. Therefore, we are confident that all sports to be contested can be accommodated well,” he said.
According to Marciano, Banten Province still has six years to perfect all supporting facilities. He is optimistic that the deadline is generous, especially with the strong commitment from Governor Andra Soni to equalise sports facilities across all districts.
“In fact, we witnessed together that Governor Andra Soni has already planned to finish all venues by 2030. This means that Banten’s readiness as the host of PON XXIII will be conveyed at the upcoming Munaslub,” Marciano concluded.