The Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta is solidifying its steps as the main supporting region for the implementation of the XXII National Sports Week (PON) in 2028, centered in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Jakarta's involvement is based on the Minister of Youth and Sports Decree Number 129 of 2024, as a strategic step to ensure the success of Indonesia's largest sporting event amidst funding challenges.
To ensure all facilities are ready for use, the DKI Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) has proposed a budget of Rp166 billion. These funds will be allocated to polish and upgrade facilities at various sports venues to meet national and international standards, including improving lighting, repainting, track updates, and renovating supporting rooms for athletes.
A total of 17 sports branches are scheduled to be contested in Jakarta. Some of these include aquatics, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, cycling, equestrian, squash, tennis, and recreational sports like skateboarding and ice skating. All these matches will utilize existing modern sports facilities, such as the Gelora Bung Karno area, Jakarta International Equestrian Park, Rawamangun Velodrome, GOR Bulungan, and Cincin Lake.
Head of DKI Jakarta Dispora, Andri Yansyah, emphasized that this appointment is not only beneficial from a sporting perspective but also has the potential to drive the local economy. Reflecting on the success of the Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM), which generated a monetary circulation of up to Rp694.3 billion in just two days, the implementation of the two-week-long PON is believed to have a far more massive economic impact on MSMEs, transportation, culinary, and local hospitality sectors.
On the other hand, the General Chairperson of KONI DKI Jakarta, Prof. Hidayat Humaid, asserted his commitment to pursuing the highest achievements in addition to ensuring the success of the event. KONI DKI focuses on the gradual development of potential athletes to maintain the tradition of being the overall champion. The regional training camp program is now prioritized for gold and silver medalists from the previous PON as the main foundation of the Jakarta team.
Similar optimism was echoed by sports branch administrators, including the Indonesian Fencing Association (IKASI) of DKI Jakarta. With Jakarta appointed as the venue for the fencing matches, local athletes are expected to leverage the home-ground advantage. Through thorough preparations such as training camps and international test matches, Jakarta is optimistic about dominating the medal tally in the upcoming PON 2028.
