NTT to prepare PON 2028 venues near tourist destinations

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has stated that his administration is preparing venues for the 2028 National Games (PON) that are close to tourist locations, which will add to the excitement of Indonesia’s largest multi-sport event. The PON 2028 in NTT will be held across approximately 14 cities and regencies out of the 22 existing level II regions. We will position the locations near tourist spots, he said during a press conference following a PON 2025 consolidation meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir in Jakarta on Tuesday. NTT is hosting PON 2028 alongside West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and DKI Jakarta as a supporting province. To welcome the event, Melkiades explained that his administration is preparing competition arenas adjacent to tourist sites. This way, he said, the public, supporters, athletes, and officials who attend can not only compete but also enjoy NTT’s exotic tourism beyond the already famous Labuan Bajo. Furthermore, Melkiades expressed gratitude that his party has received a decree regarding the PON organisation from the Youth and Sports Minister. The letter, he said, had been long awaited to ensure technical preparations on the ground. Moreover, the decree was issued precisely when his administration is conducting budget discussions. For us in the regions with the current fiscal conditions, this decree has a very significant impact because we can discuss it with the Regional People’s Representative Council more effectively, he said. Melkiades stated that his administration has currently allocated a budget of Rp250 billion for the PON organisation, which will be prepared in stages until 2028. He also conveyed his thanks to Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, who provided guidance to him and the NTB Governor so that the PON organisation aligns with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. His message to both of us was that this activity must be truly efficient, he said. On another note, Melkiades continued that the discussion on the division of sports disciplines between NTB and NTT has been divided as fairly as possible, with the remainder to be supported by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. Melkiades hopes the upcoming PON can fulfil the aspect of achievement success, especially for the 21 priority sports of the National Sports Grand Design, as well as organisational success and administrative success. We also hope this event brings tourism success and economic success to NTT and NTB, he said.