Preparing SUGBK Grass For The Indonesian National Team After Being Used For NCT Dream Concert

SUGBK used the NCT Dream concert before becoming the home of the Indonesian national team in the 2026 World Cup Qualification (doc. GBK.id).

JAKARTA - Menpora Dito Ariotedjo commented on the grass situation of the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, after using the NCT Dream concert.

You see, SUGBK will be the venue for the two matches of the Indonesian national team in the second round of Group F of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

At that event, the Garuda Squad will face Iraq (June 6, 2024) and the Philippines (June 11, 2024).

Towards the two important matches, attention is certainly on the grass of SUGBK after being used by the NCT Dream concert, a vocal group from South Korea, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

The reason is, when the concert was held, there was a closure and coating of SUGBK grass.

Related to this, Menpora Dito Ariotedjo said that the concert organizers were willing to participate in fixing grass after being used in the concert.

"So, related to SUGBK from a week before the NCT concert, the organizers (event organizers) have coordinated with us. They ensured for after use," said Dito Ariotedjo in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

"They (the organizers) will have joint assistance (PPK) GBK and ensure that it (about grass) is immediately resolved. In June 2024 it can be used for the 2026 World Cup Qualification match," said the Menpora.

Previously, on another occasion, PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said he had also communicated with the Bung Karno Complex Management Center (PPKGBK) regarding the condition of GBK grass.

"It (communicates with GBK managers). I emphasize to GBK that the grass must be in accordance with international standards because this is a 2026 World Cup Qualification match. So, the burden is not on me, but on GBK for grass readiness," said Erick.

The two matches against Iraq and the Philippines are a crucial agenda for the Indonesian national team to be able to secure a place in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualification.

So far, Shin Tae-yong's team is already in second place in Group F.

This means that the Garuda Squad only needs one victory to advance to the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The result will also automatically lead them to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.