JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Police (Polri) stated that the Indonesian League 1 and League 2 could possibly be implemented in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was conveyed by the Head of the National Police's Defense and Security Cooperation Division, Kombes Polisi Budi Sajidin, in an online seminar that was attended in Jakarta, Wednesday.
"Yesterday, I received information from the Assistant Operations Chief of Police, Inspector General of Police, Imam Sugianto, who stated that football league activities could possibly be carried out. This has been considered," Budi said.
However, he reminded again that the implementation of the league must adhere to strict health protocols to prevent COVID-19.
One of the requests of the National Police is that all matches take place without spectators.
"In principle, we love the community. We want this activity to progress and be able to compete again," said Budi.
Budi's statement was a kind of breath of fresh air for PSSI and the competition operator PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) because previously the National Police had not given permission at all to hold Leagues 1 and 2 which forced the 2020 season to be completely stopped.
According to Budi, the National Police at that time had not given permission because they were obeying the regulations issued by the government and the police chief's telegram.
However, after discussing with many parties including the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali who also communicated with the Police, Budi said the Police were ready to give permission to implement the league.
This also applies to other sports. Budi also reminded that, like football, other sports must also apply for a permit and attach various administrative documents, especially in relation to the prevention of COVID-19.
"Please write to the National Police Headquarters, propose sports activities. Attach the requirements of strict health protocols and a letter from the Task Force for Handling COVID-19, recommendations from KONI and Menpora, to be discussed at the National Police Headquarters," Budi said.
LIB itself plans to hold Liga 1 and Liga 2 Indonesia for the 2021 season after Idul Fitri.
Prior to that, if the Police permit had been issued, PSSI and LIB planned to hold a pre-season competition before Eid
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