Erick Thohir's Guerrilla Behind The Arrival Of FIFA President Gianni Infantino To Indonesia

SOE Minister Erick Thohir and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of SOEs)

JAKARTA - The arrival of FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Indonesia is inseparable from the work of the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. As is known, the two had met during a working visit by Erick Thohir in Doha, Qatar some time ago. At that time, Erick also submitted a special letter to Gianni from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir admitted that he was only carrying out the duties ordered by President Jokowi to pick up FIFA President, Gianni Infantino who came to Jakarta, Tuesday, October 18.

Furthermore, Erick admitted that he had a close relationship with Gianni that had existed since he became President of Inter Milan. According to him, this was the reason he was asked to pick up and take Gianni to the State Palace to meet Jokowi.

"Last night, I was asked by President Joko Widodo to pick up Gianni Ifantino, and take him to the Palace to then meet face-to-face with the President. After that, I took Gianni to the hotel where he was staying," explained Erick Thohir in Jakarta, quoted Wednesday, October 19.

Despite escorting Gianni to the State Palace, Erick emphasized that he had absolutely no idea what the contents of the conversation between Jokowi and Gianni were. Because, he did not participate in the meeting which lasted more than an hour.

However, continued Erick, if referring to Jokowi's letter to FIFA which he gave some time ago, as well as FIFA's response to the events in Kanjuruhan and press statements after the two met, the meeting would definitely discuss Indonesian football.

"What is certain is that FIFA's efforts to support the transformation of football in Indonesia are the main topic. Let's hope that this historic meeting will bring about a complete improvement for national football," said Erick.

Jokowi's Special Letter

Previously, Erick had a meeting with FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, in Doha, Qatar. In this meeting, Erick received condolences for the disaster in Kanjuruhan, Malang. He discussed many things with Gianni. One of them is an effort to advance football in the future, especially Indonesia.

Furthermore, Erick said FIFA is ready to support the progress of Indonesian football. This is inseparable from the potential and development of football in Indonesia, which has a fairly large market share.

"With consideration of the potential, popularity, and development of football in Indonesia, as well as being associated with constant national economic growth, a large market, and stable socio-political conditions, the international football organization is also ready to provide maximum support," he said in an official statement. , Thursday, October 6th.

The former Inter Milan boss said that Indonesian football can become national pride and contribute to the nation. So it is quite important to get international support.

"This is intended so that football, which is the most popular, loved sport, and captures great interest from the Indonesian people, can become national pride and as one of the pillars in contributing to the progress of the nation," he said.

Not only discussing the potential and development of football in Indonesia, said Erick, on that occasion he also gave a special letter that was entrusted by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) to Gianni Infantino.

"I also convey greetings and a special letter from President Joko Widodo to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino," he said.

FIFA will have an office in Indonesia

Erick said FIFA is ready to assist the Indonesian government in transforming football in the country. In fact, FIFA will also have an office in Indonesia to ensure the transformation process of Indonesian football can run optimally.

However, Erick admitted that he could not confirm the length of time FIFA has been based in Indonesia.

"I don't know how long it will take, as long as the transformation that they form has been going on, they will only leave, it could be three months, six months, or forever," said Erick in Jakarta, Monday, October 10.

Erick assessed that the good intentions of FIFA and the Indonesian government in improving Indonesian football should be appreciated. According to Erick, this is a golden opportunity for Indonesia to improve the governance of Indonesian football. However, this effort requires the support of all parties, starting from the club, supporters, security, and television stations.

Therefore, Erick also reminded that the Kanjuruhan Tragedy should never be repeated. According to him, Indonesia must learn lessons from the tragedy and become a momentum for improving football governance in this country.

"If we want transformation, this must be comprehensive. This is a heartbreaking tragedy that erodes our hearts, it must not happen again. This is a very heavy lesson for Indonesian football and the nation," he said.