The U-17 World Cup Must Be Proof Of Indonesian Young People Recognized By The World

Photo via Twitter/X PSSI

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, welcomed the U-17 World Cup which will start soon. He invited the public to support the Garuda Team and participate in Indonesia's success in holding this event.

"I invite the entire community to fully support this event, both through direct support at the stadium and through positive enthusiasm on social media," said Puan, Friday 10 November.

The Indonesian U-17 World Cup will start from Friday (10/10) to 2 December. There are a number of venues for the U-17 World Cup, namely Gelora Bung Tomo Surabaya, Manahan Stadium Solo, Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

The opening ceremony was held at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT), and also marked the first kick-off of the U-17 World Cup. According to the schedule, the Indonesian U-17 National Team will compete against Ecuador in the opening match of the World Cup. Puan was enthusiastic in the opening match.

"This is an opportunity for us to prove that our young people are worthy of competing in international events. So they are not just hosts, but our football is recognized worldwide," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan said that holding the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia was not only a sporting event, but also an opportunity to strengthen relations between countries and promote Indonesian culture at the international level.

"This event is also a forum for the younger generation to show their talents in the world of international football," said Puan.

The first woman to serve as Chair of the Republic of Indonesia's DPR added that Indonesia's success in being able to compete in the U-17 World Cup was not an instant result. Rather, said Puan, it is productivity from long-term investment in developing the potential of young people.

"The DPR is committed to supporting strategic steps to improve the quality of Indonesian football in the future," he said.

On the other hand, Puan said that the existence of the young Garuda troops on the U-17 World Cup field was not only as athletes. But also as an ambassador who brings Indonesia's good name.

"So it's not just about competing on the field, but the National Team must also be a good representation of Indonesia. I also invite the private sector, local government, and the general public to play an active role in making this event a success," explained Puan.

The U-17 World Cup event in Indonesia is also considered a historic milestone in the development of national football. Apart from that, according to Puan, it is also a means of improving Indonesia's positive image in the eyes of the world.

"The success of holding the U-17 World Cup will make Indonesia increasingly recognized on the international stage," said Bung Karno's grandson.

Puan hopes that the Government and relevant stakeholders involved in the U-17 World Cup can accommodate all needs according to FIFA standards.

“Make sure everything is prepared carefully. "Because the good and bad of holding the U-17 World Cup concerns the good name of the nation and all the Indonesian people," said Puan.

A few days ago, Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir visited Puan in her office to personally deliver an invitation to the opening ceremony for the U-17 World Cup which will be held in Surabaya, East Java. Puan also gave a special message to PSSI.

"Bring up PSSI's good name, Mas Erick, for the sake of the Indonesian nation," he said.

Puan also supports the Garuda Team to compete with enthusiasm. Even though there is no target in the U-17 World Cup, he hopes that the Indonesian national team can give the best performance.

"Come on, young Garuda, make the motherland proud by giving your best performance. Never give up, the Indonesian people support you," concluded Puan.