JAKARTA, JAKTIMES.COM – The plan of the Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, to improve Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) has garnered public attention. However, aside from meeting FIFA standards, Erick also wants to ensure that the stadium becomes a safe and comfortable place for spectators.
Erick conveyed this after inspecting the condition of Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) together with the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, and the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, in North Jakarta on Tuesday (4/7/2023).
“Of course, in line with the priority, we want to ensure that supporters return safely. From the beginning, I have always talked about access,” said Erick.
Erick mentioned the collaboration of various parties, ranging from the central government through the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government through Jakpro, to several state-owned enterprises (BUMN) such as PT KAI and PT Jasa Marga, as a good collaboration in improving JIS.
Erick stated that the improved condition of JIS, which will comply with FIFA standards, will not only benefit the national team but also clubs in Indonesia.
“If this is improved, I believe that clubs can also play here. It’s not for me to decide, but the clubs and the stadium owners. The principle is, working together is better,” said Erick as quoted by Jaktimes.com from the official PSSI website.
Erick emphasized that the improvement of stadium infrastructure is a priority assigned by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and FIFA.
Erick mentioned that having more stadiums that meet FIFA standards will be beneficial for Indonesian football, as the national team can play in other stadiums for international matches.
“We all want to build stadiums that meet FIFA standards. We agree to find solutions together so that stadiums in Indonesia can meet FIFA standards. So, when there is a national team match, we want to provide opportunities in other stadiums, not just at GBK, so that the presence of the national team can be felt throughout Indonesia,” he concluded (Wan).
