Sesmenpora: Competition May Go, But With 3 Notes

JAKARTA - Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), Gatot S Dewabroto, said that the government does not intend to limit sports officials from holding an activity. However, he hopes that sports can meet the requirements to be able to carry out sports activities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Gatot, there are a number of requirements that must be met. This was based on the results of communication with the COVID-19 Handling Task Force some time ago. The point is, said Gatot, that each sport is welcome to hold a competition, but with notes.

The first requirement is that a PCR test must be carried out the day before the match. Then the second thing was confirmed, there was order in the audience. For this, Sesmenpora praised PSSI's steps which have determined that League 1 and 2 matches will be held without spectators.

"Now the next problem, there is often a frenzy about supporters. Do not let the stadium have no spectators or be restricted, do not know that waiting outside. It must be regulated," said Gatot in a discussion on the BNPB YouTube channel.

Gatot also reminded that there should not be cases that indicate positive COVID-19 if they have competed in an area. According to him, it is possible for the local task force to annul or decide that the competition cannot continue.

"The point is that there must be neat coordination between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the sports and the local task force," said Gatot.

Then Gatot highlighted PSSI's decision to focus on League 1 and 2 matches on Java Island. As is known, there are several clubs that will live around Yogyakarta. Gatot joked to several team managers not to let Yogyakarta become the new cluster because it is relatively stable there.

"So these are things that also need to be considered. The point is that the government does not hinder, the government is aware that sports have high multi-player effects for accommodation, transportation, culinary delights and so on, but once again we better adhere to health protocols," said Gatot.