Budiman Sudjatmiko: PDIP Has Long Lobbied The Government Rejects Israel From Playing At The U20 World Cup

PDIP politician Budiman Sudjatmiko. (doc. pdiki Perjuangan-jatimcom)

PDI-P (PDIP) politician Budiman Sudjatmiko said his party had long taken an approach to the government to refuse the Israeli national team to participate in the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

This was conveyed by Budi in response to questions from netizens regarding differences of opinion between PDIP and President Joko Widodo in response to the Israeli polemic. Budi emphasized that the bull party did not oppose.

"Lho @PDI_Perjuangan has long questioned the government about Israel not to attend," Budi said via his Twitter account, @budimandjatmiko, Wednesday, March 29.

The rejection of a number of party cadres chaired by Megawati Soekarnoputri opposed the presence of the Israeli national team at the U20 World Cup where Indonesia hosted the PDIP representation.

Even though this attitude contradicts President Jokowi, Budi said PDIP still adheres to government policies related to the implementation of the 2023 U20 World Cup.

"But we also obey when the government @jokowi has acted: 1. Support Palestine & don't forget the humanitarian tragedy there 2. Be the host of a good U-20 World Cup according to FIFA rules," continued Budi.

The polemic of the rejection of the Israeli national team to compete in the U20 World Cup which took place in Indonesia flows from regional heads, parties, to mass organizations. Not a few local football club supporters in the country are similar against it.

As a result of the polemic, the U20 World Cup group stage draw agenda which was originally scheduled to be held in Bali was canceled by FIFA.

Currently, Erick Thohir, who was just elected Chairman of PSSI on February 16, flew to Switzerland. The SOE Minister is currently approaching FIFA so that Indonesia remains the host of the 2023 U20 World Cup.