NATIONAL SPORTS WEEK

Hari Olahraga Nasional is about struggle, perseverance and creativity. It refers to the origin of Pekan Olahraga Nasional (National Sports Week), or PON, in 1948 and conveys a picture of a young but determined nation. In the national historiography, the first PON is linked to the Indonesian Revolution and the struggle for national unity and international recognition. When the Suharto administration chose the date 9 September for Hari Olahraga Nasional – the day of the opening ceremony of the first PON – the relevance of the event for the nation became evident. The story of the origin of PON is still important for the celebration of Hari Olahraga Nasional because it combines Indonesian heroic history with characteristics that politicians and sports officials today still see as desirable for the Indonesian nation.

Even before Indonesia proclaimed its independence, it had made an entrance on the international sport stage. A team of the All Indonesian Football Federation participated in the 1938 World Cup in France. From the Indonesian perspective it seemed only consistent to then send a delegation to the 1948 Olympic Games in London. The goal was to underline Indonesia’s status as an independent country and to demonstrate sporting prowess on an international stage. This was during the Indonesian War of Independence against Dutch military forces, so the participation of Indonesian athletes at the Olympic Games would have made a political statement for the Indonesian case. The British organisers, however, barred the Indonesian delegation from the event as they did not accept their Indonesian passports and stated that the Indonesians did not meet the requirements. The lack of broader international recognition of Indonesia further complicated the attempt to participate at the Olympic Games. In response, Persatuan Olahraga Republik Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia’s Sports Union, PORI) looked for alternatives and decided to organise a national sports event taking place inside the country. The first PON was then held in the Javanese city Surakarta (Solo).

The background of the first PON provides several possibilities for patriotic interpretation. Taking place in September 1948, it was held in the middle of the struggle against the Dutch military forces. The attempt to take part in the Olympic Games in London was part of the struggle for international recognition and acceptance. In this light, the refusal of the British was seen as an arrogant way of treating the people of a (former) colony and as a show of solidarity with the Dutch oppressors in Indonesia. The organisers of PON, in contrast, demonstrated their stamina and initiative, not willing to give in after the exclusion from the Olympics. They were not discouraged but provided the Indonesian people and the outside world with an example of pride and creativity. Furthermore, although the participation of about 600 athletes was limited to those on Java due to the war, these athletes demonstrated their commitment to Indonesia and their part in the national struggle.

To convey patriotic feelings, a Hari Olahraga Nasional celebration can include the singing of the ‘Mars Patriot Olahraga’ (‘March of the Sports Patriots’). The song is considered a ‘lagu wajib’ (compulsory song) for Indonesian athletes and is therefore very apt for the ceremony. The title alone suggests a blend of sports, patriotism and military spirit. The lyrics contain several metaphors of warfare such as fighting on the battlefield, the sacrifice of blood and bones, as well as the facing of an opponent. Furthermore, the song encourages devotion to and sacrifice for Indonesia. Thus, the song has a strong nationalistic and patriotic tone.

The next national sports week will be held in Papua in the year of 2020, which is next year.

Written by : Michella Eleanor