SORONG - Torch Relay of National Sports Week XX Papua officially released from Sorong Regency, West Papua, to five indigenous regions in Papua, Monday (09/27/2021) morning.

The release of the Torch Relay by Deputy Governor of West Papua, Mohamad Lakotani together with Assistant for Economic Affairs and People's Welfare of Papua, Regional Secretary Muhammad Musa'ad, Regent of Sorong, Johny Kamuru and General Secretary of National Sports Week Committee, Elia Loupatty.

The eternal flame was received by former Papuan athletes, Ronny Wabia and Ortizan Solossa, then paraded to Domine Eduard Osok International Airport to continue flights to Biak Regency, this afternoon.

"This event is a new history and a pride for us people in West Papua. For that I convey congratulations and success to the committee of National Sports Week Torch Relay, bringing it until it arrives at the implementation site in Jayapura, Papua," said West Papua Governor Mohamad Lakotani.

The National Sports Week Torch Relay group previously participated in the release ceremony in the Courtyard of the Sorong Regency Regent's Office at around 07:30 Eastern Indonesia Time.

Torch Relay a few days earlier was taken in Maladuk, Klamono, Sorong Regency, West Papua. It is located at Klamono Field Gas Engine Power Plant PT. Pertamina EP. Cepu Regional 4 Zone 14 Field Papua.

The determination of eternal fire-taking points at this point, because the first exploration activities in the Sorong region were carried out in Klamono, which has a long history of petroleum discovery in 19th century.

Furthermore, the eternal fire of National Sports Week XX Papua will surround five indigenous regions in Papua for six consecutive days (September 27, 2021 to October 2, 2021). It starts from Biak (Saireri), Timika (me Pago), Wamena (La Pago), Merauke (Ha Anim), Jayapura Regency and Jayapura City (Mamta/Tabi) and ends at Lukas Enembe Stadium.

In each city, the fire will be received and used around the city and then buried as a cultural art involving the Local Government, National Armed Forces/Police and community groups.

"We hope that all these processes can run safely and smoothly and complete their journey on October 2, 2021, to Lukas Enembe Stadium in Jayapura Regency."

"To be further prepared at the Kalderon ignition procession at the top of the opening ceremony of PON XX 2021 Papua," said Assistant Secretary of Papua Muhammad Musa'ad who on that occasion delivered a speech.

Representing the people of Sorong Regency, Regent Johny Kamuru, at the release of the PON fire team, expressed his pride and appreciation for the selection of Klamono as the taking of eternal fire point.

"This is a pride for us in Sorong, because the eternal fire that will be lit in Lukas Enembe Stadium, Kampung Harapan Jayapura Regency, it is an eternal fire from Sorong Regency from the oil city of Sorong".

"And there are no other words I just thank God, to the committee and all parties involved in the release ceremony. Thank you to the entire community of Sorong, thank you to all the people in Klamono Raya, thank God," he concluded. ***