PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - 2024 is a proud year for West Java athletes. How could it not be, West Java managed to become the overall champion of PON XXI Aceh - North Sumatra by winning a total of 538 medals, consisting of 195 gold, 161 silver, and 182 bronze.

With the success in Aceh - North Sumatra, West Java won a hat trick of overall champions of PON. In the two previous PON editions, West Java also became the overall champion, namely PON Papua 2021 and PON Jabar 2016.

The West Java contingent managed to improve the total number of medals won. In Papua 2021, West Java won a total of 353 gold medals while PON Aceh - North Sumatra won 538 medals.

The number of gold medals also increased, PON Papua 133 golds while PON Aceh - North Sumatra 195 golds, although it has not been able to exceed the gold medal achievement at PON West Java 2016, which was 217 golds.

The key to West Java's success in achieving a hat-trick was the coaching of athletes by regional administrators (pengda) under KONI West Java.

"The main key to success is the preparation carried out even after the XX PON in Papua is over. After it is finished, we will immediately hold coaching for the next PON, while recruiting new athletes," said Deputy Chair II of KONI Jabar Yunyun Yudiana, Monday (12/23/2024).

In addition, in line with coaching, KONI Jabar also holds regular match events, both at the provincial and city district levels. "In addition to being a trial match event, the event is a place to find new seeds for athletes," he explained.

In addition to conducting coaching through Pelatda, several branches are also specifically sent abroad, including to South Korea, to hold training and test matches with local athletes.

It is undeniable, said Yunyun, the full support of the West Java Provincial Government also contributed significantly to the success of the West Java PON contingent. Every year the Provincial Government provides grant funds for sports development to KONI which are distributed to the regional governments.
In 2024, the West Java Provincial Government provided a grant of IDR 375 billion to KONI.

"The provincial government's budget support is also an important factor in the success of the West Java contingent. Although it has not yet met the needs one hundred percent, it is very important as a motivator for the athletes to compete," said Yunyun.

In addition, the commitment of the Acting Governor is also very optimal. Before the departure of the athletes to Aceh - North Sumatra, Acting Governor Bey Machmudin diligently visited the preparations of the athletes in various training centers, and all sports branches were rotated to be visited.

During the match, Bey Machmudin and West Java Regional Secretary Herman Suryatman took the time to watch several sports, to provide motivation and encouragement to the athletes who were competing.

In addition, as a form of appreciation, the West Java Provincial Government provides bonuses to medal-winning athletes and coaches. Bonuses for gold-winning athletes are Rp300 million, silver Rp125 million, and bronze Rp60 million.

Better Peparnas Medal Winnings

The year 2024 is also a happy moment for disabled athletes in West Java. At the XVII/2024 National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) in Solo, Central Java, West Java ranked second with a total of 354 medals, consisting of 120 gold medals, 116 silver, and 118 bronze.

West Java only lost to the Central Java Peparnas contingent, which was the host. West Java managed to maintain its position, because at the XVI/2021 PON in Papua, West Java was also in second place under the host Papua.

However, the medal haul at Peparnas Solo was better than before. At Peparnas Papua, West Java won 263 medals, consisting of 102 gold medals, 88 silver, and 73 bronze.

According to the Head of the West Java Youth and Sports Service, Asep Sukmana, the Provincial Government expressed its appreciation for the hard work of the athletes and coaches during the competition on the field.

The athletes have undergone intensive training and followed long-term training camps with maximum coordination. Although NPCI West Java had to be satisfied with second place overall, Asep still sees them as champions.

"I call them champions because in several sports, NPCI West Java athletes managed to win the overall champion title. We are very grateful for today's achievement. The children are healthy and their achievements are extraordinary," said Asep.