Polri Ensures Menpora Cup 2021 Implements Strict Prokes

Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General of Police. Argo Yuwono (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Police (Polri) allowed the 2021 Menpora Cup soccer match to be held on Sunday, then made sure that it implemented strict health protocols (prokes).

"As directed by the National Police Chief, General Pol. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, youth and sports activities must be carried out with discipline and commitment from all parties involved in implementing health protocols," said the Head of Public Relations of the Indonesian Police, Insp. Gen. Pol. Argo Yuwono in his written statement on Sunday.

Argo emphasized that the police would not hesitate to stop and impose strict sanctions on the organizers if they did not implement or violate the prokes.

The National Police gave permission to organize the Menpora Cup soccer with several notes, namely all matches without spectators at the stadium which were broadcast live by television stations and online media.

In addition, limiting the number of players, officials, committees, security guards, invitees, and media crews in the match area to a maximum of 299 people.

The match will be held at the stadium in the COVID-19 green zone area.

"There is strict enforcement of the rules," said Argo.

Previously, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Sesmenpora) Gatot S. Dewa Broto emphasized that the police have the right to stop the fight if there is a violation of the prokes.

"No need to worry, this is just a trial, the police have the right to stop the fight if there is a violation of the prokes during the Menpora trophy," said Gatot when confirmed by the media crew, Jakarta, Saturday.

Gatot said that his party had conducted coordination meetings with all stakeholders, such as PSSI, PT LIB, and Polri. This is so that football sports activities can take place safely from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

According to him, PSSI and PT LIB had proven that the match was in accordance with the process when they held a trial match for the Indonesian U-22 national team against two Indonesian clubs, in early March.

"PSSI and LIB have already explained the progress at the stadium before and after. The two matches were smooth," said Gatot.

Gatot said that the Menpora Cup was a challenge in itself for the organizers to carry out sports activities in the midst of a pandemic.

Moreover, in other countries, there are currently some that have held sports matches such as football. In fact, the conditions are the same as Indonesia, which is currently being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"PSSI, that is, is being challenged, all parties want to know how to implement the health protocol," said Gatot.

Another note from the police in organizing the Menpora Cup soccer ball is that the person in charge is obliged to comply with provisions, such as maintaining security and order in the said activity.

Prevent if there are indications of deviations from the activity objectives that have been stated in writing in the permit application statement letter.

Within 3x24 hours before the activity, report to the local police.

Comply with other provisions given by local officials in relation to the activities to be carried out.

Furthermore, comply with the rules and protocols for handling COVID-19 established by the authorities in the local area.

Other Polri notes, if there is a deviation and / or violation of the provisions of this letter, the police / security officer can disperse / stop or take other action based on the provisions of the law.

This crowd permit letter is given to those with an interest in it to be used properly, except in the case of an error, necessary corrections will be made.

In case of extraordinary situations, the crowd permit that has been issued will be suspended / revoked.

Menpora Cup 2021 from 21 March to 25 April 2021. The tournament will be held in four cities as the host, namely Solo, Bandung, Sleman and Malang.

There are 28 matches during the group phase. The first match was opened by the Arema FC match against Persikabo 1973 and PSIS Semarang against Barito Putra at the Manahan Stadium, Solo today.