Erick Thohir's Wish To Print FIFA Referee Turns Out Not To Be Supported By Acting Chairman Of PSSI DKI Jakarta Asprov

JAKARTA The efforts of PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir to build Indonesian football through a coaching program and improve the quality of referees are just a dream. In fact, the Acting Asprov PSSI DKI Jakarta, Eko Setyawan, is not only not only not running a coaching program but prohibits referees from leading the match.

For example, Eko Setyawan, who has been the Acting Chair of the DKI Jakarta PSSI Asprov, has not only played competitions for a year. However, Eko Setyawan, who is also the owner of the Falmer Tangerang club, has never responded to the good intentions of the football community.

For example, the U17 Jakarta League Committee, which has sent an audience letter since September 21, 2024, has never responded by sending a written reply letter.

"We have sent an audience letter since last September 2024 but have never been replied to. Not only that, I have also submitted the letter directly to the Acting Secretary General of the Asprov DKI Jakarta Fauzan Ryu during the 2024 Letter Cup meeting which was only answered to be noticed but in reality until now there has been no attention," said Secretary of the Jakarta League Implementing Committee U17, Taufik Jursal Effendi in Jakarta, Saturday (11/1/2025).

According to Taufik, the committee sent an audience letter to the PSSI Secretariat GBK Arena Jakarta because Eko Setyawan served as Exco PSSI. In addition, he said, Asprov PSSI DKI Jakarta does not have a secretariat office.

"We sent an audience letter because the PSSI Secretariat is orderly. Every entry letter must be distributed to the person concerned. And, we believe the letter has arrived and has been read, especially since Eko Setyawan, who is also a member of the Exco PSSI," he said.

What's even more surprising, said Taufik Jusral Effendi, the DKI Jakarta Asprov Referee Supervisory Commission Nuzur Fadilah sent Japri through WA to prohibit referees from leading the match in the Jakarta U17 League.

"How come the Acting Chairperson of the DKI Jakarta PSSI Asprov Eko Setyawan gave an order to the Referee Supervisory Commission to prohibit referees from leading the match in the Jakarta U17 League. This is clearly contrary to Pak Erick Thohir's mission to improve the quality of the referee by bringing in referees from FIFA to provide arrangement in Indonesia. They need flying hours to improve their quality and income," explained Taufik.

"As the Acting Asprov PSSI DKI Jakarta, it should support football competitions and facilitate people who want to be involved. Make no mistake if there are accusations that Eko Setyawan does not want football coaching in DKI Jakarta. Or maybe he really doesn't care and feels he has no responsibility because he is not a resident of DKI Jakarta. Cook, yes, the class of Exco PSSI does not understand his duties and functions as Acting Asprov PSSI DKI Jakarta and Exco PSSI," asked Taufik Jursal.

Separately, the Acting Supervisory Commission of PSSI Jakarta Asprov Referee Nuzur Fadilah admitted that he had received direct orders from the Acting Chairman of the DKI Jakarta PSSI Asprov Eko Setyawan to prohibit referees from serving in the U17 Jakarta League.

"I'm just a subordinate who carries out orders from Mr. Eko Setyawan. It's a pity if there are referees whose careers are hampered and they don't get assignments anymore because they are involved in the U17 Jakarta League," he said.

In principle, Nuzur Fadilah admitted that he really appreciated the intention of the committee to hold the U17 Jakarta League. In addition to helping the coaching program, he said, this event could be used as an additional flight hours for DKI Jakarta referees as well as an increase in income.

The competition is indeed needed by players to increase the flight hours. Likewise with the referee. The more they lead, the more mature they are. However, I am only a subordinate who must carry out orders," he said.

As is known, the Jakarta U17 League, which was attended by 18 clubs, will be rolled out at the Jakarta Soccer Field (PSF) from April to October 2025. This competition will hold 306 matches with details of each club undergoing 34 matches.

The competition, which is free of charge for registration, aims not only to increase flight hours but also produce quality players who can strengthen the Indonesian national team.