Joko Widodo Play Soccer with 3 Papuan Boys at National Games Opening

SENTANI, LELEMUKU.COM - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi made a surprise at the opening of the National Games Week, or PON Papua, when he played soccer with three Papuan boys. The opening ceremony was held tonight at Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, October 2.

It was started when a Papuan legendary soccer player Jack Komboy played with the three boys. All of them wore red and white t-shirts bearing "PON XX Papua" on the back.

Then a voice said, "Mr. President, come support us."

Hearing the words, the president left his VVIP seat and went down to the main field to join Jack Komboy and the children. They played for about three minutes.

After that, a performer wearing Papua's traditional clothing brought a tifa musical instrument and gave it to President Jokowi who then hit the percussion and went back to his seat. The ministers and other invitees also played the instrument, marking the opening of PON XX Papua.

Then, a national soccer player from Papua, Boaz Salossa, came bringing the torch and ran to the cauldron to light the fire of PON XX. At the moment, colorful fireworks were shot to the sky alternately, adding to the lively atmosphere of the opening ceremony.

"Let's celebrate PON with great joy, upholding sportsmanship, strengthening the brotherhood, togetherness, equality, as well as national unity and integrity. Believe that Papua's development will run fast, let's show our participation to success the PON XX," said President Jokowi in his opening speech.

7,066 athletes from all Indonesian provinces enroll in the national games held from October 2 to 15.(Tempo)