Gov’t Continues to Support Indonesian Football

President Jokowi meets 2023 SEA Games medalists, their coaches and assistant coaches at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Monday (06/05). (Photo by: PR/Oji)

The Government continues to support the development of football in Indonesia through sports science application, infrastructure development, and sustainable and long-term programs, Head of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir has said.

“First, we will apply sports science. Second, we will develop infrastructure, including a training camp in Nusantara Capital where the Government has provided land and built basic infrastructure,” he said.

Erick stated that the effort was made with the support of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) who cares about football in Indonesia.

“FIFA has allocated a fund of approximately US$7.3 million, so the facility is extraordinary. There are five football fields, one beach ball field, one indoor football field. It will also be supported with sports science and appropriate break rooms,” he said.

Erick further stated that the Government will build sustainable programs for young members of the Indonesian national football team, such as U-16 and U-17 players who will be prepared to enter U-20 and U-22 stages.

“As for U-20 and U-22, we have certainly prioritized the members under Coach Indra to try [to compete at] Asian Games as a form of appreciation and to test their spirit. And several U-20 and U-22 players who have not yet joined a club will surely join Bhayangkara club as a sustainable program for the young national team,” he said.

Erick also stated that the Government will support a long-term program of Indonesian football development.

“I mustered up the courage to explain a long-term program. PSSI will certainly raise funds on its own too, but thank God, the President and Minister of Youth and Sports also took part in developing this long-term football program,” he remarked. (BPMI SETPRES/AIT) (DH/LW)