Athletes, Artists Applaud Inauguration of Newly-Launched Indonesia Arena

President Jokowi and officials at Indonesia Arena, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (08/07) (Photo: Bureau for Public Relations and Protocol of Cabinet Secretariat/Oji)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Monday (08/07) inaugurated the Indonesia Arena – a multipurpose indoor arena – located within the Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) compound in South Jakarta.

Following the inauguration, Indonesian athletes and artists expressed their appreciation for the inauguration of the new arena.

Indonesian basketball player Yudha Saputera said he was amazed and proud of the new arena, saying the arena complies with the international standards and boasts better facilities compared to other arenas.

He also expressed hope that the inauguration of the Indonesia Arena could elevate the spirit of and motivate Indonesian young generation to play basketball and the venue continues to be used.

“I assure you that the first time I see this arena. I am amazed. I am also happy to have such a huge and magnificent arena. The field and the ring comply with the international standard. I am so proud of it. I hope the venue can be used to elevate the spirit of and motivate Indonesian basketball players to be better and I hope this venue will continue to be used in the future,” Yudha explained.

Indonesian artist and Ambassador for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Cinta Laura said she was also amazed with the facilities of the Indonesia Arena, saying that it shows the readiness of Indonesia to host international sport events.

“It shows to world that Indonesia is ready to host world sport events.”

Cinta also expressed appreciation for the presence of President Jokowi during inauguration and expressed belief that the presence of the President shows the Indonesian Government’s seriousness and supports to improve Indonesian sport potentials.

“It is important for young Indonesian to think that now the Indonesian Government truly concerns about athletes by building sufficient and good facilities to support athletes’ potential,” she said.

In the meantime, artist Udjo Project Pop also expressed hope that the inauguration could enable more national and international events in the future.

“Finally, we have an international arena that can accommodate 16,000 people and it is possible for us to hold more international events in the future,” Udjo said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, actor and basketball player Augie Fantinus also expressed hope that similar facilities could also be built not only in Jakarta, but also in other major cities in Indonesia and said that local sport and music afficionados have longed for the facilities.

“These facilities should be built not only in Jakarta but also in Surabaya, Solo, Bandung and other cities because those cities have spectators. Appreciation for sports, music, and art events are prevalent everywhere and it is important,” Augie said. (Bureau for Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (GA/EP)