President Says PSSI Training Center Development At IKN Has 20 Percent

BETWEEN/HO/PSSI)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said that the development of the PSSI Training Center (TC) development in the capital city of the archipelago (IKN), North Penajam Paser, East Kalimantan, has reached 20 percent.

This was conveyed by President Jokowi while reviewing the development of the construction of the training camp, on Wednesday.

"If we look at it, it has already started and to date it has been completed 20%. And we hope that in May (2024) it will be finished, and in June (2024) it can be used for TC. For U-20. Enter here. Coach Indra (Sjafri) has also said that he is ready for TC at IKN. All the grass has also been smeared," said President Jokowi as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, January 17.

Also accompanying the President are PSSI General Chair who is also Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir, U-20 national team coach Indra Sjafri, PSSI Executive Committee Muhammad, Khairul Anwar, Secretary General Yunus Nusi, and three U-20 national team players.

Erick emphasized that the government and PSSI hope that the construction of stage 1 TC can be completed according to the target, namely in May 2024. Thus, players and coaching staff can immediately take advantage of these facilities to improve the quality and achievements of Indonesian football.

"Earlier, the President expressed his appreciation for the progress of the PSSI Phase 1 TC development which has reached 20%. This shows the commitment of PSSI and Adhi Karya in accelerating the development of TC. This is also part of the transformation of Indonesian football towards a better direction," explained Erick.

The construction of the PSSI TC is one of the government's efforts to improve the quality and achievements of Indonesian football. With international standard facilities, players and coaching staff will be able to train and develop in a supportive environment, equipped with the latest infrastructure, as well as the best training methodology.

The construction of Phase 1 PSSI TC received grant funds from FIFA Forward worth US$1.25 million or equivalent to Rp19.2 billion.

In stage 1, the construction is focused on natural grass fields, artificial grass fields, dormitories, and players' dressing rooms.

For dormitories in Phase 1, the total capacity is 70 people, consisting of 28 twin rooms for players, 10 single rooms for the coaching team, and 3 Suites for head coaches.

"Pak Jokowi also conveyed to us that by accelerating the construction of this TC, PSSI will have adequate facilities so that players and coaching staff will be able to train better and improve the quality of Indonesian football," added Erick.

Therefore, Erick is grateful for the support of the government and FIFA Forward. "PSSI is committed to accelerating the development of TC for the better transformation of Indonesian football. We are also grateful for the support of the government and FIFA Forward," said Erick.

As per the blueprint, TC PSSI at IKN will have a total of eight football fields, rehabilitation centers, and other supporting facilities that will not only benefit the national team, but also the surrounding community.

On the same occasion, Indra Sjafri admitted that he was surprised by the development of TC PSSI at IKN. He also believes that the existence of this facility will be an important supporting factor for Indonesia's preparation to build a strong national team, in various age groups and sectors.

I think this is an extraordinary step. I thank FIFA, the government and PSSI. This will be a motivation for us to make more focus.

Indra also emphasized that he and his assisted players are ready to live in IKN, which he assesses will make it easier for players and all staff to focus on pursuing achievements.