Joining Government Rules Ahead Of The U-20 World Cup, Christmas Celebration At GBK Stadium Don't Use A Grass Field Area

Officers sprayed disinfectant liquid at the GBK Jakarta Main Stadium on Thursday, March 26, 2020. (ANTARA-Puspa P)

JAKARTA - The Tiberias Church's Christmas celebration at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium will not use a grass field area in accordance with government regulations and FIFA ahead of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

The Head of Public Relations and General Secretary of the Indonesian Tiberias Church, Pastor Gideon Simanjuntak, said that his party would not use the grass field area at the GBK Main Stadium and replace the use of fireworks with lasers according to the rules.

"Christmas this time is very unique because Indonesia is working on welcoming the U-20 World Cup so fireworks are not allowed and grass fields are not allowed," said Pastor Gideon in Jakarta, Sunday, December 4, as quoted by Antara.

"We follow government regulations so we don't do anything wrong and there are no fireworks. But as a substitute for our laser, we use it at the level with the Asian Games," he continued.

In the grand Christmas celebration which is expected to be attended by thousands of people, it is also confirmed that they have received permission and escort from the Indonesian Police and the COVID-19 Handling Task Force.

At the same press conference, Assistant Pastor of the Tiberias Church of Indonesia Session Pastor Melvin B. Tuela said his party involved various elements of the government to ensure the smooth running of the grand Christmas celebration event.

"We involve the government, in this case the TNI and Polri, who are already on standby and securing, sterilizing the GBK Senayan area and its surroundings," he said.

His party also examined every congregation entering the GBK Main Stadium area and ensured that the process of going in and out of the celebration area was maintained.