RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A strong medal performance by Papua Athletics Center athletes at the Singapore Open Track & Field Championships 2026 has drawn attention to Indonesia’s growing efforts to develop elite talent from eastern regions through structured, long-term athletics training programs.

“The four medals confirm that the athletics potential of eastern Indonesia will flourish through structured programs," Chairman of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

"International exposure is a crucial investment, and the decentralized training synergy in Mimika between the Indonesian Athletics Association and PT Freeport Indonesia is gradually addressing the need for national athletics regeneration,” Luhut added.

The competition, held at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub from April 15-17, saw Papua Athletics Center (PAC) athletes secure one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. The gold medal came from Vinsensia Awutet Amjaram in the women’s long jump with a mark of 5.78 meters. Two silver medals were won by Mergina Asyerem in the women’s 400 meters (55.96 seconds) and Lina Hisage in the women’s shot put (11.41 meters).

The bronze medal was earned by Kresensia Mobok Ndiken in the women’s javelin throw with a distance of 41.15 meters, marking a significant achievement in her international debut. “This is my first time competing abroad, and I am very grateful to immediately contribute a medal. This experience is a great motivation for me to continue improving,” he said.

Beyond the medal tally, several PAC athletes also delivered competitive performances. Fransisko Adrianto Makaminang finished in the top five in both the men’s 800 meters and 1,500 meters, while Mergina also placed fourth in the women’s 200 meters.

In other events, Hendrik Raikerts Dacosta finished eighth in the men’s 400-meter hurdles, while Benedictus Tsolme gained international experience in the men’s 400 meters.

PAC is a decentralized athletics training hub in Mimika, established through a strategic partnership between PASI and PT Freeport Indonesia. The program aims to develop national athletic talent while expanding access for athletes from regional areas. It provides intensive training, quality facilities, and continuous performance evaluation support to ensure sustainable athlete development. ***

https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5538251/empat-medali-pac-di-singpura-tegaskan-potensi-atletik-timur-indonesia