131 People Died In Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Menpora Affirms Government Has No Authority To Evaluate PSSI

Menpora Zainudin Amali/DOC ANTARA

JAKARTA - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali emphasized that the government does not have the authority to evaluate PSSI following the Kanjuruhan Tragedy which has caused hundreds of people to die.

According to Zainudin, all matters relating to PSSI as a national football federation are governed by a larger umbrella, namely the international federation of related sports.

"It is impossible for the government to get involved in this matter. For national federations, there are international federations. Well, we, the government, provide the best for Indonesian sports without interfering in the federation's internal affairs," said Zainudin as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 10.

Zainudin also emphasized that he would not interfere too much in PSSI affairs, especially since the government is currently focusing on working to resolve and handle the victims of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy.

“The government does not evaluate individuals. Just wait for the results of the independent joint team (TGIPF). We can't make any conclusions while the team is still working," he said.

Asked about FIFA President Gianni Infantino actually sending a letter to President Joko Widodo, but not to PSSI, Zainudin considered it an extraordinary or extraordinary condition.

Menpora also assessed that the government could intervene against PSSI if there was direct permission from FIFA.

"If FIFA provides a way for it (intervention), it is possible. Now, FIFA sends a letter to the President. Maybe this is considered an extraordinary by FIFA. But we must be careful not to translate according to what we want. The government has formed the TGIPF, let the team work,” said the Menpora.

Previously, FIFA on October 5 sent a letter to President Joko Widodo discussing the Kanjuruhan tragedy and efforts to reform Indonesian football.

There are five main points mentioned by FIFA in the letter, namely stadium security standards, protocols and security procedures by the police, dialogue with clubs and supporters, match schedules, as well as mentoring and benchmarking.