Persija Is Not The First Time To Try JIS In The IYC Tournament, PSI: Like Living At Home

Jakarta International Stadium/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The chairman of the PSI faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Anggara Wicitra Sastroamidjojo, criticized the attitude of DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan for not seeking the presence of the Persija football club to participate in the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in the International Youth Championship (IYC) tournament.

Anggara said that the first tournament held at JIS should involve Persija. Persija's status as the host of JIS is an important thing that must be emphasized.

Considering that JIS is a replacement stadium for Lebak Bulus Stadium which has now been converted to an MRT depot. This stadium is also predicted to be the home of Persija.

"After all, this is the first match in JIS history. From the beginning Pak Anies always said JIS was built for Persija and Jakmania, but apparently they weren't the first to experience playing there. I think this is very unacceptable. use the Jakarta people's tax money, but the pride of Jakarta team is not prioritized," said Anggara in his statement, Thursday, April 14.

Anggara believes that JIS's status as Persija's basecamp should be finalized first and then the matches will be held. Anggara also urged the DKI Provincial Government to establish The Jak secretariat office in the JIS area.

"If JIS's commitment is to Persija and Jakmania, first legalize this stadium as our home, first make The Jak secretariat office, decorate the stadium with Persija attributes, then accept guests. As it is now, Persija are only considered as boarding children, not hosts, "said Angga.

For information, the 2021 International Youth Championship (IYC) tournament will start on April 13-19 at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). The agenda was enlivened by four teams, namely Barcelona U-18, Atletico Madrid U-18, Bali United U-18 and Indonesia All Star U-20.

IYC 2021 carries a group stage tournament format, where the two teams with the top points are entitled to enter the final. Meanwhile, the remaining two teams will compete in the match for the third place. The group stage matches will take place on April 13, 15 and 17, 2022.