Update On H-30 FIFA U-17 World Cup 2023: Public Awareness Concerns

Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir (left). (Photo: Ulfa Gusti Utami/VOI)

JAKARTA - The 2023 U-17 World Cup will start rolling in Indonesia from November 10 to December 2 in four cities in Indonesia. PSSI provides the latest conditions in preparation for the event which is only 30 days away.

PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum), Erick Thohir admitted that he had direct information and examined reports related to several preparations for the U-17 World Cup. He emphasized that every regional leader should carry out their duties to the fullest.

"30 days (the 2023 U-17 World Cup starts), so the time is going on and Alhamdulillah I make sure the preparations are fine," said Erick Thohir during a press conference at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta on Tuesday, October 10.

"I saw yesterday the results of direct monitoring and from reports, I also monitored after a meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports and regional leaders, governors, mayors and regents to ensure that of course preparations in each city or province are maximized."

"So if I haven't seen any worries in preparation, but I still ask all regional leaders to be aware if someone misses," he explained.

In addition to ensuring the readiness of facilities and infrastructure in each region, at this D-30 Erick Thohir also continues to intensify promotions for the 2023 U-17 World Cup which will be held in Indonesia for the first time.

This promotion point is Erick Thohir's special concern considering that the level of public awareness of this prestigious international event is still low.

"In the last 30 days I want to encourage a lot of promotional activities, because we hope for success in preparing for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. So far, the awareness level is still 50 percent," explained Erick Thohir.

"That's why we encourage promotion so that people can be participatory considering that this is also the first time we have an U-17 world championship. If we can become good and successful hosts, we certainly hope to have an even bigger event in Indonesia," hoped the chairman of PSSI.

The 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia itself will be held in four stadiums in different cities. The four are the Jakarta International Stadium in Jakarta, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Manahan Stadium in Solo and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.

The U-17 Indonesian national team will be playing at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya with three members of Group A, namely Ecuador, Panama and Morocco. But this Bima Sakti team also has the opportunity to try out Manahan Stadium, Solo if they qualify for the semifinals.