PSSI Eyes JIS as National Team Home Base, DPRD: Persija Must Be Priority
JAKARTA - Jakarta Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) member Justin Adrian Untayana expressed his concern over the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI)'s desire to make Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) the home base of the Indonesian national team.
Justin emphasized that from the beginning, JIS had been touted as the home of Persija Jakarta. This had also been a promise made by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung.
Justin asked Pramono to be consistent with his promise and prioritize Persija over other football teams regarding the use of this international-standard stadium.
"Persija's schedule should remain the top priority, regardless of the form of future management collaboration, whether managed by a regional-owned enterprise (BUMD), a private partner, or PSSI as the main operator for the national team," Justin told reporters on Tuesday, August 12.
According to Justin, if JIS is used too frequently for concerts, exhibitions, or other football matches without proper scheduling, there is concern that clashes with Persija, which should be prioritized.
"The risk of a schedule clash is very likely, and that could disappoint both supporters and the Persija team. Therefore, it's important to ensure that whoever manages it prioritizes Persija's schedule," said Justin.
Previously, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung revealed that the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) wants to make JIS the home of the Indonesian National Team. According to Pramono, this is because the Jakarta Provincial Government, under his leadership, is currently focusing more on JIS infrastructure development.
"Nowadays, JIS is so popular. Everyone is coming to talk about JIS. Even the PSSI wants to make JIS its home base," Pramono said at Jakarta City Hall on Tuesday, August 5.
Pramono felt that JIS's growing appeal was evident after he revealed the plans to build a connecting bridge between JIS and Ancol, add Transjakarta routes, make JIS Persija's home ground, and facilitate other activities at the stadium built by former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.
"Now everyone feels that JIS has become something. This is how we then market JIS as something that is ultimately fought over," explained Pramono.