Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir and Papua Governor Matius D Fakhiri reaffirmed their commitment to advancing football development in Papua."On Sunday (April 12), we visited the Ministry of Youth and Sports to strengthen synergy between the central and regional governments in sports development," Fakhiri said in Jayapura on Monday
He said this requires professional sports governance, including within the National Sports Committee (KONI), to ensure optimal athlete development.
"Papua was once known for producing many great athletes, not only in football but across various sports. This is the legacy we want to bring back," he said.
He added that sports development must remain free from business and political interests to ensure its goals are fully achieved. Fakhiri expressed optimism that stronger central-regional synergy would reinforce Papua’s role in national sports development.
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Meanwhile, Thohir said support for local tournaments is key to sustaining athlete development and providing opportunities for young talent. The minister, who also chairs the Football Association of Indonesia, noted that Papua has long been a major source of talented players.
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"Many players from Papua have made significant contributions to both the national team and professional clubs," he said.
The ministry hopes development efforts will continue and expand, ensuring Papua remains a key source of Indonesia’s top athletes.