Preparations For The U-17 World Cup, JIS Closed To The Public Until December 1

Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in North Jakarta. (Between)

PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) closed the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) to the public ahead of the U-17 World Cup which will be held in Indonesia in the near future. The international-class stadium in Papanggo, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, was declared temporarily closed to the public until December 1, 2023. "Starting at the end of September, all areas of the Jakarta International Stadium will be temporarily closed," wrote the announcement on the official JIS management Instagram account, @jakinstadium on Tuesday, September 26. The closing of JIS was carried out to perfect the preparation of this stadium as a match venue for several teams as set out. "Please support, sir! The stadium area will be reopened to the public on December 1, 2023," wrote the JIS management account. The U-17 World Cup itself is scheduled to take place in four stadiums in Indonesia, namely the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Bandung, Manahan Stadium Solo, and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium Surabaya from November 10 to December 2, 2023. JIS will be used as a venue for Group C (Brazil, England, Iran, New Caledonia) and E (France, South Korea, United States, Burkina Faso) matches. In addition to the group stage, JIS will also be used for two last 16 matches and two quarter-final matches. Therefore, the Indonesian chance to play at this venue is open if it can go to the knockout round. Some time ago, General Chairperson (PSSI) Erick Thohir revealed the results of his meeting with Jakpro regarding the preparation of JIS for the 2023 U-17 World Cup. The important aspect of grass, which is the main concern, said Erick Thohir, is likely to be resolved soon. From the meeting held on Thursday, September 7 with Jakpro, Erick Thohir said that the JIS grass problem could be resolved due to assistance from Dewa United. The League 1 club is willing to lend grass on their training ground to be installed at JIS. "The progress of the JIS grass work has started to be dredged on the side. Maybe next week in the middle. Alhamdulillah, I thank Dewa United for giving up grass (training field) to be installed to JIS,” said Erick Thohir when met at the Madya Stadium, Senaya on Friday 8 September.

The “Ramput (training field) of Dewa United can be used because it is in accordance with what FIFA sees with its consultants. If it turns out that this grass can, the grass problem at JIS will be resolved," he continued.