4 Presidential Directives Regarding The Organization Of The U-20 World Cup

President Jokowi chats with Menpora Zainudin Amali in a limited meeting to discuss preparations for the U-20 World Cup (Doc. Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) held a limited meeting with his staff to discuss preparations for holding the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in 2021.

In a limited meeting held at the President's office, Jakarta, Friday, January 17, 2020, Jokowi conveyed at least four directions regarding the holding of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. First, with regard to the venue and stadium for holding matches. From the report he received, the President said that there were 10 stadiums prepared, consisting of 6 main stadiums and 4 reserve stadiums.

"I ask that this really be checked into the field, it must be truly representative for world-class matches, starting from the environment, the field, the seats, the dressing room, the toilet, to the press media room, which is truly representative. If there is a shortage, and it needs to be renovated, it needs to be refined, so that it can really be prepared so that it is ready for use in 2021, "Jokowi explained in a written statement received by VOI.

Second, the President asked his staff to pay attention to the connectivity between the stadium and the means of transportation and accommodation for the participants in the FIFA U-20 World Cup competition. The President reminded that the issue of connectivity would not become one of the obstacles in organizing the biennial football competition.

Limited meeting to discuss preparations for the U-20 World Cup (Doc. Kemenpora)

"Do not let the match be late because of connectivity problems. Therefore, accommodation facilities and infrastructure must also have world-class services," he said.

Third, the President wants the holding of the FIFA U-20 World Cup to be used as a means of promoting Indonesia to the world. The Head of State reminded that this event would be attended by 24 participating countries from 5 continents.

"This is an important moment to show the world that Indonesia is a developed country, a great nation and a developed country capable of carrying out international events very well," he added.

"Finally, I ask that our experience and success in holding the Asian Games and Asian Paragames in 2018 can be used as a reference, as a standard in the upcoming 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup," he said.