PSSI Chairman's Promise For Palembang Public After Jakabaring Did Not Become A Venue For The Indonesian National Team Vs Brunei World Cup Qualification Match

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir (center). (Photo: Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA - PSSI General Chairperson (Ketum), Erick Thohir promised to be able to immediately hold a big match at the Jakabaring Stadium, Palembang, South Sumatra (Sumsel).

However, this still has to wait for the situation in Palembang to allow. Moreover, currently the facilities in the stadium are adequate after being elected as one of the U-20 World Cup venues which has been canceled in Indonesia.

"I promised to hold the next (big event) we will bring back to South Sumatra," said Erick Thohir in a statement quoted on Thursday, October 5.

Previously, the Asian zone 2026 World Cup qualifying match between the Indonesian national team versus Brunei Darussalam will be held at the Jakabaring Stadium, Palembang, on October 12. However, the location was then moved to Jakarta, precisely at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

The reason for moving the location of the match turned out to be because of the situation in Palembang city that was not possible. The high level of smog due to forest and land fires is the main cause.

Erick Thohir then conveyed his apology. He himself regretted the loss of the moment using the Jakabaring Stadium for an international event.

"Yes, I want it to be in South Sumatra because it was prioritized to host the world championship (U-20 World Cup). We actually decided, it just turned out that the natural situation, smoke and everything, was impossible there," explained the man who is also the minister of SOEs.

"That's why yesterday we decided to have a PSSI meeting for October 12 at Jakarta at Gelora Bung Karno. I apologize very much. It's not that I don't have a commitment or appreciate the preparations in South Sumatra, but the context is that natural situations are not supportive," he added.

For the Asia 2026 World Cup qualifying agenda, the national team itself will play the away home agenda. After appearing in Jakarta, they will head to Begawan Series Bandar for the second match on October 17.

The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong has also made thorough preparations for the match by calling 25 players. They will be prepared for two matches against Brunei in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.