JAYAPURA – Papua will send a 59-member contingent to the 2025 National Student Sports Week (Popnas) in Jakarta.

This figure is smaller than in previous years but has been carefully selected to maximize effectiveness and medal prospects.

Acting Head of the Papua Sports and Youth Office, Sonya Monim, said the contingent consists of athletes, coaches, and officials competing in seven sports.

“Papua is only competing in seven sports considered to have strong potential for achievement. We hope this strategy will be more focused and effective,” she said in Jayapura.

The sports include athletics, rowing, boxing, taekwondo, badminton, pencak silat, and swimming.

According to Sonya, the selection was based on an evaluation of athlete development to ensure Papua can compete at the national level.

She emphasized that the budget for Papua’s contingent is funded through the Regional Budget Implementation Document of Papua Sports and Youth.

“The budget for Popnas is secured. As for Peparpenas (National Paralympic Student Sports Week), we are still awaiting regional government support for inclusion in the revised regional budget,” she explained.

Currently, the athletes are undergoing intensive training in Jayapura under the direct supervision of coaches and technical staff.

With thorough preparation and a leaner contingent, Papua is aiming for its best performance at the national event.

The 2025 National Student Sports Week will take place from November 1 to 15 in Jakarta, after initially being scheduled in North Sumatra. The event will bring together student-athletes from across provinces as part of national sports development. ***