Border run building ties with Indons

 By HENRY MORABANG

INDONESIA dominated the 10km Run by winning the majority of the top six placings in the open and student categories during the Skouw-Wutung Border Cross Run at the West Sepik-Indonesia border on Wednesday.

Chairman of the Organising Committee and Indonesian consul in Vanimo Jahar Gultom said winning prizes was not the main objective of the race but building strong friendships between two countries as shown by participants during the race.

The race which was officially started by Indonesian Sports Minister Roy Suryo attracted more than 1,000 spectators including 400 runners from Papua (Indonesia) and Sandaun province, Papua New Guinea.

Sandaun Governor Amkat Mai and his Madang counterpart, Jim Kass officiated at the starting line, and presented the trophies and prize money to winners. 

The former Prime Minister and East Sepik Governor Sir Michael Somare was attended the  the competition and presented trophies at the close of the competition. 

Suryo said the event was further boosted with the presence of such individuals as the Sir Michael. 

Sir Michael said he was thrilled with participation of runners from both sides of the border.  

Gultom said he was happy that the former Prime Minister of PNG had found the time from his hectic schedule – Sir Michael had been at the Momase governors conference – to attend the 10K Run.

“The aim of run is to maintain good communication between the Indonesia government and Papua New Guinea Government, particularly the citizens around the boarders of both countries,” Gultom said. 

“It also promotes people to people contact and to create healthier life styles.”

He said the run was organised by the Indonesian Consulate in Vanimo in collaboration with the Papua Provincial Government of Indonesia and Sandaun provincial government.