Due To The Threat Of The Omicron Variant, Anies Postpones The JIS Tournament And Soft Launch

DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan/DOK VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan decided to postpone the 2021 International Youth Championship (IYC) tournament as well as the soft launching of the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

Originally, the IYC 2021 tournament series would be held from 4 to December 11, 2021. However, due to the threat of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 or Omicron which has spread to several countries, the event has been postponed.

"By looking at Omicron's developments in various parts of the world and with the central government and the Bali Provincial Government, we convey the postponement of the IYC which was originally scheduled to be held from 4-11 December 2021 in Bali and Jakarta", Anies said in a virtual press conference, Friday, November 3.

Anies said this was by the direction of the central government. The government anticipates the inclusion of the Omicron variant of activities involving many foreigners.

"We appreciate the central government's very careful attitude, especially in choosing to be extra strict at guarding the border, limiting activities with participants from abroad, and also very strictly limiting activities that can attract public interest", Anies explained.

Anies did not mention how long the IYC tournament and JIS soft-launching would be postponed. What is clear, he said, is that this activity will be restarted if the situation for the spread of the Omicron variant can be more controlled and predictable.

"Even though in the end this activity had to be postponed, all in all, that until the last minute the decision was taken, there were so many parties who had worked hard, had expended all their resources, energy to prepare this event", said Anies.

For information, the IYC 2021 tournament is the result of a collaboration between the DKI Provincial Government and the Bali Provincial Government, and the Pancoran Soccer Field (PSF). It is planned that this tournament will feature Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona.

These three Spanish clubs will later compete with the All-Star Indonesia U20 team at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), North Jakarta.