The Jakarta Provincial Government has reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a supporting host for the National Games (PON) XXII in 2028, which will be centered in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

Beyond providing competition venues, Jakarta is also preparing supporting infrastructure, an integrated transportation system, and Rp166 billion in funding to upgrade sports facilities to meet national competition standards.

Jakarta Youth and Sports Agency Head Andri Yansyah said Jakarta's designation as a supporting host under Ministerial Decree No. 129 of 2024 is a strategic move to help ensure the successful staging of the National Games amid funding challenges.

"With its experience hosting major international sporting events, Jakarta has all the necessary prerequisites to support the success of Indonesia's biggest multi-sport event," Andri said during a discussion titled Optimizing Jakarta's Role as a Supporting Host for the PON XXII NTB-NTT, organized by the Sports Journalists Section (SIWO) of the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) Jaya in collaboration with the KONI Jakarta, at KONI Jakarta headquarters on Thursday (7/30).

Andri stressed that the PON represent the highest level of competition for regional athletes and that all athletes should have an equal opportunity to represent Jakarta based solely on merit.

"PON is the pinnacle of an athlete's career. They have devoted their time, energy, and youth to training. Therefore, those with the best performance deserve an equal opportunity to compete and bring pride to Jakarta," he emphasized.

He added that Jakarta already has a strong foundation in sports infrastructure, with around 36 venues owned by the central government, more than 220 sports facilities managed by the city administration, and additional privately operated venues.

According to Andri, these facilities are complemented by Jakarta's integrated public transportation network, including MRT Jakarta, LRT Jakarta, and TransJakarta, allowing athletes, officials, and spectators to travel more efficiently between venues.

"Our experience hosting the 2018 Asian Games proved that Jakarta is capable of staging world-class sporting events supported by fast and well-integrated transportation," he said.

Andri also expressed confidence that hosting National Games events would generate significant economic benefits. He cited the Jakarta International Marathon (JAKIM), which generated an estimated Rp694.3 billion in economic activity despite lasting only two days.

"If a two-day event can generate an economic impact of that scale, then the National Games, which will run for around two weeks, will create an even greater multiplier effect for the hospitality, culinary, transportation, and MSME sectors," he added.

Jakarta KONI Chairman Hidayat Humaid said the city's readiness should be measured not only by its ability to host the event smoothly but also by its success in developing athletes capable of maintaining Jakarta's tradition of sporting excellence.

He noted that KONI Jakarta has continued its athlete development programs despite budget constraints, implementing them in stages.

"For us, the PON 2028 must deliver success in four areas: event organization, athletic performance, administration, and economic impact," Hidayat said.

He added that centralized training has already begun, prioritizing gold and silver medalists from the previous National Games as the foundation for preparations toward PON XXII.

"KONI is focused on ensuring athletes arrive fully prepared, while the government ensures that all supporting facilities operate optimally," he asserted.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Fencing Association Chairman Ghozi Zulazmi welcomed the inclusion of fencing among the sports to be contested in Jakarta.

He said hosting the event would provide an important opportunity for Jakarta's fencing team to reassert its dominance at the national level.

"We welcome Jakarta's designation with great optimism. Fencing has a strong opportunity to perform at its best before a home crowd. We have begun our preparations through structured athlete development, training camps, and international competitions so our athletes can win titles while bringing pride to Jakarta at the 2028 National Games," he said.

A total of 17 sports are scheduled to be contested in Jakarta, including aquatics, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, cycling, equestrian, baseball, tennis, squash, wrestling, ice skating, skateboarding/roller sports, bowling, rowing, korfball, teqball, and rugby.

The competitions will be held at existing venues, including the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex, Jakarta International Equestrian Park, Rawamangun Velodrome, Bulungan Sports Hall, Ciracas Sports Hall, Rawamangun Athletics Stadium, and Danau Cincin.