NTT Provincial and Central Governments Finalise Preparations for PON 2028

The Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and the Central Government are finalising preparations for the 2028 National Sports Week (PON) and the second National Special Olympics Week (PESONAS) in 2026, during a meeting held in the Governor’s meeting room in Kupang on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by NTT Deputy Governor Johni Asadoma and attended by Deputy for Coordination of Character and National Identity Strengthening at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs (Kemenko PMK) Prof. Warsito, Assistant Deputy for Youth Empowerment and Sports Achievement Gatot Hendrarto, and Senior Policy Analyst Suwito. Also present from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) were Assistant Deputy for Special Service Sports Ahmad Arsani and Senior Policy Analyst Jenal Arifin, along with Special Olympics Indonesia representative Amran Siregar and PESONAS Coordinator Hanu Resinurjati. Prior to the PON 2028, the second PESONAS will be held in Kupang, the capital of NTT, from 13 to 18 October 2026. Johni Asadoma expressed appreciation for the presence of Kemenko PMK and Kemenpora, calling it a tangible commitment from the Central Government to support the two national sporting events in NTT. ‘PON 2028 and PESONAS 2026 are not merely competitions, but also momentum to accelerate human resource development, strengthen national unity, and drive economic growth and regional development,’ Johni stated. He stressed that the success of both events can only be achieved through close collaboration between the central government, regional government, KONI, NPC Indonesia, Special Olympics Indonesia, and all stakeholders. ‘As the host, we will strive hard to achieve the five successes that have been set: success in achievement, success in organisation, success in administration, success in economic impact, and success in tourism,’ Johni said. Kemenko PMK will continue to carry out its coordination, synchronisation, and control functions together with Kemenpora and related ministries to ensure all preparation stages proceed according to plan. ‘Specifically for PESONAS, the central government is also committed to supporting inclusive sports as a platform for nurturing athletes with intellectual disabilities towards international events,’ Warsito said. He affirmed that the government will continue to oversee the preparation process through cross-ministry coordination, including with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Transportation, and other relevant ministries and agencies. He also reminded of the importance of transparent governance, mature planning, post-event venue utilisation, and risk mitigation so that PON 2028 and PESONAS II 2026 are not only successful as sporting events but also leave long-term benefits for sports development and the people of NTT. He explained that various strategic steps have been taken, from strengthening regulations, forming a PON Task Force, to establishing a regional sports design as the foundation for sports development in NTT. The implementation of PON XXII in the NTT region will involve several regencies and cities with the distribution of sports branches adjusted to the potential and characteristics of each area. The Provincial Government has also identified needs for venues, accommodation, health facilities, transportation, and other infrastructure support. All these preparations demonstrate the commitment of the NTT Provincial Government to deliver a professional, world-class PON XXII 2028 that leaves a sustainable development legacy for the community.