Fix! GBK Focuses on U-20 World Cup, Music Concerts Not Allowed

President Director of the Bung Karno Complex Management Center (PPKGBK) Rakhmadi Afif Kusumo (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - After meeting Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Zainudin Amali, at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Building, Jakarta, Wednesday, the Managing Director of the Bung Karno Complex (PPKGBK) Rakhmadi Afif said that the Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) was focused on holding the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

"As the largest football organization in the world, FIFA has given its trust and mandate (to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup-ed). It is a matter of pride. So we focus first on the main agenda, namely the U-20 World Cup", said Rakhmadi quoted from Antara, Wednesday.

Therefore, he continued, PPKGBK has not been permitted for other events at SUGBK before the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

Several activities are planned to be held at SUGBK, such as the Blackpink show which is planned to be held on March 11-12, 2023, and Raisa's concert is scheduled to appear on February 25, 2023.

SUGBK is also not certain to be used for the 2022 AFF Cup. According to Rakhamadi, his party must obtain approval from FIFA for the use of SUGBK for activities other than the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

"We will coordinate with FIFA with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. We are waiting in writing from FIFA whether to allow it or not. Directions from the Minister of Youth and Sports, we must first confirm this so that we are in a waiting position and also prepare the best", said Rakhmadi.

The 2022 AFF Cup will be held from December 20, 2022, to January 16, 2023.

The Indonesian national team is in Group A of the 2022 AFF Cup with defending champions Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Brunei Darussalam.