Jokowi Regarding The Location Of The U-17 World Cup: Our Stadium Is Not Just A GBK

DOK ANTARA/Gelora Bung Karno

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo stated that a solution would be sought for the location for the 2023 U-17 World Cup because Indonesian stadiums were not only at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Senayan.

The FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023 match will be held from 10 November to 2 December 2023, but it coincides with the Coldplay music concert which is scheduled for 15 November 2023 at the GBK Senayan Main Stadium.

"We'll find a solution later. Our stadium isn't just GBK. There are others, there's JIS. There's in Manahan. There's in Jalakharupat. There's a lot. There's in Surabaya, Bung Tomo Stadium too. Please, our stadium How come many are ready," Jokowi said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, June 26.

President Jokowi stated that Indonesia's election to host the U-17 World Cup was a trust given by FIFA to Indonesia.

The Head of State has also ordered Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chairman Erick Thohir to properly prepare the location for the match.

The President emphasized that there are many stadium options in Indonesia apart from the GBK Senayan Main Stadium which could be the location for matches.

"If the venue already exists, from what we repaired yesterday, it means that it remains to be used, but all management must be properly prepared," said Jokowi.

Previously, the Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said that the city of Solo was ready if it was appointed as one of the hosts for the 2023 U-17 World Cup football matches.

"Solo is ready because previously the Manahan Stadium had been prepared for the U-20 World Cup in 2023, so all facilities are FIFA standard, but cancelled," said Gibran in Solo, Saturday (24/6)

According to Gibran, the Manahan Solo Stadium will be prepared to become one of the venues for the U-17 World Cup matches, but is still waiting for directions from PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir.

Previously, the PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir during a working visit at the Manahan Solo Stadium in Central Java Province, also stated that the stadium which was designated as one of the venues for holding the U-20 World Cup soccer matches was very ready.

The FIFA Council appointed Indonesia to host the U-17 World Cup through an official FIFA statement released on Friday (23/6) evening.

Indonesia was set to host the 2023 U-17 World Cup through a joint decision at the FIFA Council meeting which was held at the FIFA Headquarters, Zurich, Switzerland. So far, FIFA has scheduled the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held from 10 November to 2 December this year.