Gov’t to Prepare 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali delivers a press statement after attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (18/2). (Photo by: Public Relations / Rahmat).
The Government will make comprehensive preparations to cohost the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup championship as well as to get its national team ready for the qualification round, Minister of Youth and Sports Zainudin Amali has said.
“Indonesia, the Philippines, and Japan are appointed to host the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. We should prepare proper tournament venues with decent supporting facilities, accommodation, transportation, and various important things,” the Minister said after attending a Limited Cabinet Meeting on International Sporting Event at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (18/2).
The Minister went on to say that the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi), the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC), and other sports authorities are expected to be able to support the success of the event.
“We want to be successful as the cohost and also as a national team in terms of achievement,” the Minister further said, adding that Indonesia is open to possible options of naturalizing players to level up its squad, yet the Government will prioritize local players.
In the meantime, Head of the Indonesian Basketball Association Danny Kosasih said that since the qualification round will be held on 20 February, the national team will not depend on naturalized players.
By hosting the FIBA, the Minister also expressed his belief that several improvements made prior to the championship will make Indonesia Basketball that currently places 2nd in the Southeast Asia to be in par with the Philippines which ranks first.
“This quadrennial event is expected to improve the country’s sports development,” the Minister added.
On that occasion, he cited an example of Indonesia’s sporting achievements that are improved as the country hosted the Asian Games. For that reason, Indonesia is excited to submit a bid to host the 2032 Olympics.
“The event will boost both our economic and tourism sectors. We should seize the opportunity,” he said.
According to the Minister, the Government will fully support and trust the national team’s preparation to the Perbasi and the NOC.
In the meantime, the Government will coordinate with the Perbasi, Minister of Youth and Sports, and the NOC, to prepare the World Cup since it is Indonesia that will host this event not the Perbasi nor NOC.
The Minister further said that the country still has enough time to build new sports venues. During the limited meeting, all relevant ministries/institutions are instructed to assist the preparation of the event.
“We will ask for assistance from other relevant ministries/institutions. For instance, the President has instructed Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) for assistance, and so on. We will synergize. The Government will also draft a Presidential Regulation on organization of the event,” the Minister concluded. (MAY / EN).
Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: Rany Anjany
Proofread by: Mia Medyana
