RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The rise of debut athletes claiming gold at the Jatim Open Athletics Championship 2026 has underscored the growing potential of Eastern Indonesia’s athletics, driven by structured development programs.

The Indonesian Athletics Association (PASI) Secretary General Jodi Mahardi said the success of first‑time competitors reflects the effectiveness of systematic training and regeneration efforts.

“The emergence of champions from debut athletes confirms that the potential of Eastern Indonesian athletics will continue to flourish through structured programs,” he noted in a statement received Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Jakarta, as quoted by Antara.

He pointed to the synergy between PASI and PT Freeport Indonesia through the Papua Athletics Center (PAC), which has begun to show results in nurturing new national talent.

PAC successfully defended its overall title at the Jatim Open 2026, held May 1–3 at the Oentoeng Poedjadi Athletics Field, FIKK‑UNESA, Surabaya, collecting 14 medals - nine gold, two silver, and three bronze - an improvement from 11 medals in the previous edition.

Three PAC debutants stole the spotlight by winning gold in their first competitive outings.

Natalis Kawad Kaize triumphed in the men’s U‑20 discus with a throw of 44.21 meters, Bonevasius Mahuze topped the men’s U‑20 javelin with 60.18 meters, and Kresensia Mobok Ndiken claimed gold in the women’s U‑20 javelin with 40.44 meters.

PAC also dominated throwing events through Kristostomus Kaize, who won the men’s U‑18 javelin with 57.88 meters, and Silfanus Ndiken, who secured senior men’s javelin gold with 68.00 meters.

On the track, Fransisko Adrianto Makaminang captured senior men’s 800m gold in 1:55.98, while Mergina Asyerem sprinted to victory in the senior women’s 200m with 24.55 seconds.

PT Freeport Indonesia’s Director & EVP of Sustainable Development, Claus Wamafma, said the medal increase and emergence of new champions highlight the effectiveness of the joint training blueprint.

“The appearance of new names winning gold proves our training program with PASI is on the right track,” he remarked. ***