Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inauguration of Indonesia Arena, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Special Capital Region of Jakarta Province, August 7, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
After being constructed for 18 months, Indonesia Arena is completed today and can be used. The stadium which construction used a total budget of Rp640 billion is expected to be used to host upcoming national and international events in Indonesia. It adds the number of indoor stadiums in Indonesia. I also think it has high standards.
Journalist
Is it also suitable for hosting concerts?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
If I’m not mistaken, there will be more concerts than sport events.
Journalist
Will Indonesia Arena bring value added to the economy?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, there will be circulation of money and economy at every event. Money will be circulated and economic activity will take place during concert. All layers of people. Don’t presume that sport events and concerts don’t have an economic effect. It has a huge economic effect because this is where the spectators shop; the spectators spend money; so that there is a circulation of money, there is an economic circulation.
Journalist
Sir, you watched Pak Bas [Minister of Public Works and Public Housing] playing drum. What do you think about that?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
His skills were not as good as John Bonham.
Journalist
Based on the budget used for the construction, do you think the results exceed the expectation or there will be evaluation?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I think it’s pretty good for a stadium that has a capacity of 16,000 people. I guess it will be audited by the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP). In general, I think the quality is great.
Journalist
On another issue, do you have a statement on divestment of [nickel mining giant] Vale [Indonesia]?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, not yet.
Journalist
I heard the deadline is in July?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It will be slightly longer than July.
Journalist
Is there any issue, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, no. It is still under discussion so we will not make any wrong steps. All parties must be benefited and involved.
Journalist
Did you hear about extreme heat wave during World Scout Jamboree in South Korea?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have ordered Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy to monitor the situation. To date, nothing I heard is dangerous [for our contingent] or we should send them home immediately.
Journalist
Poor air quality and pollution have become a hot topic on the internet. Will be an evaluation about it, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Jakarta has been facing pollution issue since years ago, not only today. One of the solutions is reducing Jakarta’s burden by relocating the Capital to the Nusantara Capital (IKN). In addition, mass transportation is the key; [construction of] all MRT routes must be completed, as well as the LRT routes, rapid train, and other modes that can reduce pollution. We will also promote the use of electric cars.
(RAS/MMB)