Jayapura – The Papua Highlands Regional House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) to play a greater role in enhancing the quality of human resources among Indigenous Papuans (OAP).
The call was conveyed during a joint meeting with local government officials and sports stakeholders in Jayapura. According to the Papua Highlands DPR, sports should not only be about winning medals but also serve as a means to shape character, discipline, and resilience among Papua’s younger generation.
“We expect KONI to bring forward programs that not only produce outstanding athletes but also prepare Papuan youth to be competitive in various fields,” said a representative of the Papua Highlands DPR.
In addition to athlete development, the DPR also stressed the importance of collaboration between KONI and local government in building sports facilities across the highlands region. Adequate infrastructure, they noted, would encourage more young people to channel their energy into positive activities through sports.
This expectation arises alongside growing enthusiasm for sports among the people of the Papua Highlands, as the region aims to make a stronger showing in both provincial and national sporting events.
