ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – President of the International Football Federation (FIFA) Giovanni Vincenzo Infantino is optimistic that Indonesia will become one of the respected countries in the sport of football.
He considered that Indonesia’s level could not only compete in Southeast Asia but also in the Asian region and the world.
The large population of Indonesia and the enthusiasm and love of its people for football, said Gianni, are important assets that must continue to be developed to advance the world of football in that country.
“Football is the number one sport in Indonesia. “However, what is important is that we don’t just focus on football in Indonesia, but how it can play an important role in Asia and the world,” he said at the State Palace, Jakarta, Friday (10/11/2023).
To realize this vision, FIFA is ready to collaborate more closely with Indonesia, including by opening a FIFA Office in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, FIFA’s decision to open an office in Jakarta was motivated by the football tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java, last year which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries.
“When I came here last year after the tragic Kanjuruhan incident that happened, we decided that we needed to increase FIFA’s presence because this country deserves it,” he said.
With the presence of the FIFA office in Jakarta, the federation will be able to more intensively assist the Indonesian football association by providing various football experts. Moreover, FIFA has experts with different expertise in terms of relations with national associations, not only for Indonesia, but for all of East Asia.
“We have experts in the field of safety and security, as well as experts in the stadium in fighting match-fixing and other football ills. Also most importantly, an expert when it comes to organizing player development competitions. “All these centers of excellence will be based in Jakarta and the results will be visible soon,” concluded Gianni.
President Jokowi Inaugurates FIFA Office in Jakarta
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) directly inaugurated the FIFA Office in Jakarta, Friday (10/11/2023) afternoon, at Menara Mandiri II, Jakarta. The establishment of the Asia Hub permanent office in Jakarta is a form of FIFA’s support for the development of football in Indonesia.
“Thank you for the opening of the FIFA office in Jakarta. “FIFA’s decision to build a permanent Asia Hub office in Jakarta proves that Indonesia has enormous potential to develop and advance Indonesian football at the global level,” said President Jokowi.
President Jokowi also expressed his appreciation for FIFA’s trust and commitment to Indonesian football.
“Thank you for the great support in the world of Indonesian football and also thank you for the construction of a football training center in the new capital of the archipelago,” he said.
President Jokowi also emphasized the government’s commitment to support and facilitate FIFA to improve the integrity and quality of Indonesian football.
President Jokowi said that Indonesia is ready to work together to develop adequate sports infrastructure, train, educate and develop young Indonesian football talents. Apart from that, Indonesia is also ready to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience between Indonesia and the world football community.
“I hope that FIFA’s presence in Jakarta will be the first step to achieve brilliant achievements for Indonesian football, improve the quality of competition throughout Indonesia and inspire young people to achieve their dreams, strengthen sportsmanship and unite the world,” he said.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for FIFA’s trust in Indonesia’s hosting of the U-17 World Cup.
“Thank you President Gianni for his contribution to the development of Indonesian football. And also thank you for your trust in Indonesia as host of the U-17 World Cup. “Hopefully this can be a good first step for more FIFA activities in Indonesia,” stressed President Jokowi.
Present to accompany the President at the inauguration of the FIFA Jakarta Office were, among others, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani, General Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono . (AT Network)
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