Acting Governor Of DKI Will Meet Erick Thohir, Discuss The JIS Option To Become A U-17 World Cup Venue

Jakarta International Stadium (JIS)/DOK ANTARA/M Adimaja

JAKARTA - Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono admitted that he would meet with the Chairman of the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir to discuss the option of the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) to become the U-17 World Cup venue.

"Yes, I will have a meeting with Mr. Erick this afternoon," said Heru, Tuesday, June 27.

The emergence of JIS as an option to allocate the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023 was initiated by President Joko Widodo.

Indonesia has been designated as the host of an international football event which will be held from November 10 to December 2 this year. However, at the same time, Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium has been scheduled to be the location for the Coldplay concert, to be precise on November 15, 2023.

President Joko Widodo also said that the location for the 2023 U-17 World Cup football could be held in other locations because the Indonesian stadium was not only in GBK.

"Later we will find a solution. Our stadium is also not only GBK. The others are there, there is JIS, right? There is Manahan. There are many in Jalakharariat. There are many. In Surabaya, Bung Tomo Stadium is also there. Wong our stadium is already ready," Jokowi said on Monday, June 26.

Jokowi stated that the election of Indonesia to host the U-17 World Cup was a trust given by FIFA to Indonesia. He admitted that he had ordered PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir to prepare the location for the match.

"If the venue is already there from yesterday, we have fixed it, meaning that it is only used, but everything management must be prepared properly," said Jokowi.

However, there are problems that can block JIS from becoming the 2023 U-17 World Cup venue. Erick Thohir said limited audience access and parking areas were obstacles.

"We will definitely check the JIS Stadium. What is certain is that yesterday's record is that the problem was parking with audience access," said Erick Thohir.

"There should be four doors, only one door is open. This is what we must anticipate safety rather than supporters," he continued.

Erick admitted that he was open to President Joko Widodo's direction in choosing the location of the stadium other than the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, including JIS.

But on the other hand, JIS has a shortage, namely limited access in and out for spectators so that it can affect the safety and security of the audience. In addition, the lack of JIS is also found in the use of the stitches used.

Therefore, Erick together with the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta and the Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono will directly inspect JIS to ensure the feasibility of the stadium according to FIFA standards.

"What shortcomings do you think need to be equipped with? I'm sure it's impossible for FIFA not to say the standard doesn't come in because of something political, no. But standards must be aligned," said Erick.