Jakarta, IO – The World Scout Jamboree in South Korea drew public criticism because the activity was held in the midst of extreme weather where the temperature at the location can reach 33 degrees Celsius.
Hundreds of jamboree participants were reported to have fallen ill due to the ‘boiling hot’ weather. This situation even caused three countries, namely the United States, Britain and Singapore to withdraw their contingents, per CNBC Indonesia, Monday (7/8).
Nevertheless, the organizer decided that the World Scout Jamboree, which is also attended by representatives from Indonesia, would continue as scheduled.
National Scout Organization (Kwarnas) ensures that the Indonesian contingent will remain in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province as emergency plan has been prepared.
“The contingent of the Indonesian Scout Movement will remain in the arena of the 25th World Scout Jamboree despite the extreme hot weather. For this reason, an emergency plan has also been prepared,” said Kwarnas spokesperson Adi Pamungkas.
He stated that the Indonesian Embassy in South Korea is working with the South Korean Government, including the Jeollabuk Provincial Government, to prepare an emergency plan if the weather becomes unbearable.
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He said the plan includes the provision of two schools for evacuation sites. “The condition of the 1,569 participants from Indonesia can be handled properly. Some of those who were sick have been treated and have recovered,” said Adi.
The 2023 World Scout Jamboree in South Korea involved 43,150 participants from 158 countries and territories in the world. (un)