The 2024 Presidential Opening Ceremony Was Attended By Joko Widodo And Accompanied By The Traditional Themes Of West Java

The opening of the 2024 President's Cup was attended by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo. Carrying the theme of traditional West Java art, the event was lively and full of enthusiasm.

Starting at 15.00 WIB, the opening ceremony of the 2024 President's Cup was marked by the entry of dozens of traditional dancers featuring traditional West Java dances, jaipong.

Not only that, there is also a traditional performance of the famous musical instrument which is typical of West Java. During the performance of traditional dancers, Doel Sumbang's song was also played.

At the opening ceremony at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung Regency, Friday, July 19, 2024, Indonesian Western Time (WIB), President Joko Widodo was attended, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, to the management of PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) as the operator of Liga 1 2024/2025.

After the traditional dance performance, the opening ceremony was continued with a speech from Maruarar Sirait as Chair of the Steering Committee for the 2024 Presidential Cup.

In his remarks, Maruarar emphasized that this pre-season agenda was held without the involvement of state money, APBN, BUMN, and APBD, but purely from private sponsors.

On the same occasion, he also said that this performance is proof that Indonesian football is now continuing to show a significant increase.

Therefore, he firmly asked all parties to be serious in eradicating match fixing for Indonesia's growing football.

"This is a moment of proof that our football continues to develop well and shows positive things. Our job here is clear to eradicate all forms of match fixing that are the destroyers of our football."

"Whatever the form, no matter how small, we must eradicate it for the sake of our healthy football," said Maruarar.

This time President Joko Widodo came with the First Lady to choose not to go directly to the field. This is clearly different from the opening ceremony of the previous edition of the President's Cup which was opened with a kick-off from President Jokowi on the field.

However, the enthusiasm of around 15 thousand spectators who attended did not recede. They are also enthusiastic about the appearance of the inaugural match that brought together the host, Persib Bandung, against PSM Makassar.

The 2024 President's Cup will run from July 19 to August 24, 2024. There are eight teams from League 1 which are divided into two groups and will compete for prizes worth IDR 5 billion.

In the first edition, Persib Bandung made history by coming out as champions. Arema FC is the most diligent club in winning the champion title because they won three times in the President's Cup (2017, 2019, and 2022).

Persija won one President's Cup title in the 2018 edition.