Handling Kanjuruhan Tragedy Doesn't Make Government Forget Preparations For U-20 World Cup, Menpora: We're Ready

Menpora Zainudin Amali. (Doc. Kemenpora Site)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government is busy dealing with the tragedy in Kanjuruhan Malang. However, preparations for the U-20 World Cup are still going.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Zainudin Amali. He stated, there was no disturbance in the preparation.

In fact, the Minister of Youth and Sports firmly said that Indonesia was ready to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

"Preparations for the 2023 U-20 World Cup are still (running), there are no disturbances. Infrastructure remains (road). I have said many times that we have been ready since 2021," said the Minister of Youth and Sports, as reported by Antara.

However, the man from Gorontalo emphasized that the government's focus remains on solving the Kanjuruhan target case. According to him, handling victims is the most important thing.

"We are currently focusing on the Kanjuruhan Tragedy affair," said the Minister of Youth and Sports.

The Kanjuruhan tragedy had become a concern for a number of people including sports officials and stakeholders regarding Indonesia's status as the host of the 2023 U-20 World Cup and the possible suspension of sanctions from FIFA.

However, President Joko Widodo has ensured that Indonesia will not be subject to FIFA sanctions even though the Kanjuruhan Tragedy has killed at least 125 people, making it the second-biggest tragedy in the history of world football.

FIFA, in a letter sent to President Jokowi, even stated that it would form a transformation team for Indonesian football. For the smooth running of these efforts, FIFA will have an office in Indonesia during the process.