PON XX Proves Indonesia is Able to Organize Big Event in the Midst of a Pandemic – Berita Terkini

JAKARTA – The Indonesian government’s systematic efforts, assisted by all levels of society, have been quite successful in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Indonesia has managed to hold large events in the midst of a pandemic without a spike in cases. The PON XX Papua 2021 is proof that Indonesia is capable.

However, the spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Wiku Adisasmito admitted that although there was no spike, positive confirmed cases were found. As of October 17, there were a total of 176 confirmed cases consisting of 97 athletes, 49 officials, 7 coaches, 10 referees, the majority of whom have recovered. The other cases were from the media crew, committee, judges, and security with a positivity rate of 1.13%.

“Currently, more than 60% have been quarantined for five days. The rest will be monitored, especially those who are quarantined in the area,” Wiku said in a virtual International Media Briefing at Graha BNPB, Tuesday (19/10/2021) broadcast on the BNPB YouTube channel. Indonesia.

In addition, nationally, Indonesia was able to maintain its performance in handling COVID-19 which was proven as the country with the highest Recovery Index score in Southeast Asia. Even in an atmosphere of gradual opening of the social – economic sector. This assessment is viewed from the aspect of case control management, vaccination, and mobility of a country

For this reason, achievements and various small shortcomings during the series of events need to be used as lessons, especially for organizing the nearest major event, Superbike Mandalika.

From the experience of PON XX, he learned that careful planning is the most crucial thing in organizing a big event in the midst of the COVID-19 storm. In addition, the evaluation carried out after PON XX can be used as a basis for preparing for future events.

“The results of this evaluation can be used not limited to organizing sports events, but other events that involve many people. To ensure these activities can run smoothly and safely even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” concluded Wiku.

Following are the government’s efforts during the PON XX in Papua:

Pre-event: 

– Central government coordination meetings, both the Task Force and Ministries/Institutions related to the feasibility of the area, both case conditions, vaccination coverage, as well as general readiness of facilities and infrastructure to organize major events.

– Coordination meetings with local governments ensure the readiness and commitment of local governments to hold big events with strict implementation of health protocols.

– Establishment of the 3M Health Protocol Task Force for a series of events. As the chosen party to oversee the compliance process during the main event.

– Monitoring of the technical readiness of health protocols by the companion team from the central COVID-19 Task Force which is deployed directly to the regions. Tasked with fostering regional parties, especially the readiness to implement health procedures, starting from the adequacy of masks, hand washing facilities, and the ability of the PON XX Special Task Force.

During the event: 

– Monitor and evaluate compliance with health protocols. In its implementation, various violations found in the field became a significant input, especially efforts to monitor and control the behavior of participants during the event.

– Monitoring of positive cases in the implementation area with data recorded by the health office and routine surveillance, especially for event participants.

– If positive cases emerge, immediate action is taken to handle positive cases through referral alerts for isolation or treatment, close contact tracing, and epidemiological investigations to determine the source of the pattern of spread. The Ministry of Health’s report stated that positive cases emerged due to interactions between participants in the room and when eating together, or lax procedures when watching matches and excessive celebrations.

– Monitor participants who have completed their activities in the middle of the event when they return home. As stipulated in the second addendum to the Task Force Circular No. 17 of 2021, the PON XX contingent is required to retest after arriving in the area of ​​origin and quarantine for 5 days at the expense of the Task Force or the local government. with the addition that if the first result is negative then on the fourth day. Quarantine is required to carry out a repeat PCR test. If a positive result is found in one of the test results, the contingent must undergo isolation or treatment at the nearest COVID-19 referral hospital.

Post Event: 

– Evaluating the implementation of the main activity policies. For example, the obligation to carry out Routine PCR before matches and departures, the obligation to provide special quarantine facilities for close contacts, and evaluation of accommodation density and behavior outside the main event.

Jakarta, October 19, 2021

Communication Team of the Committee for Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and National Economic Recovery

[ISTA/ACU/VJY]