SERUI – The All Indonesia Athletics Association (PASI) of Yapen Islands Regency has carved out a brilliant achievement after a 12-year hiatus. In their comeback debut, the Yapen contingent successfully broke into the top four at the 2026 Papua Governor's Cup Regional Athletics Championship (Kejurda) held in Jayapura City.
This extraordinary achievement was reported directly by the management, coaches, and athletes of PASI Yapen Islands during an audience with Deputy Regent Roi Palunga in his office. In the event held on June 18–20, the contingent successfully brought home 11 medals, consisting of 4 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze.
The Deputy Regent of Yapen Islands, Roi Palunga, expressed his deep appreciation for the dedication of the entire team. He viewed this revival as a golden momentum to reorganize the development of athletics in the region. The local government is committed to providing more support so that achievement development can run sustainably.
In addition to providing a motivational boost, Roi also reminded young athletes to maintain discipline and morality. He emphasized the importance of staying away from promiscuity, alcohol, drugs, and behaviors risking HIV/AIDS transmission to safeguard their future and sports careers.
PASI Yapen Islands coach, Agustinus Dimara, revealed that all the athletes fielded were new faces from recent development programs. Despite being faced with various facility limitations, the fighting spirit of the young athletes proved capable of producing optimal achievements.
According to Agustinus, this success is an important asset towards the 2028 National Sports Week (PON) selection. Currently, three Yapen athletes from the javelin throw, long jump, and sprint events have even entered the monitoring radar of the Papua Province talent scouting team to participate in regional training camps.
To maximize regional potential, PASI Yapen plans to recruit athletes in schools to fill events that are still vacant. This step is fully supported by experienced coaches committed to restoring the glory of Yapen Islands athletics on both regional and national stages.
