Inaugurating Presidents Cup Footbal Tournament, President Joko Widodo Asks Indonesias Football Supporters to be Patient
President Jokowi kicking the ball mark the beginning of the opening of the Presidents Cup tournament, in Gianyar, Bali, on Sunday (30/8)
Having distributed the Indonesian Health Card (KIS), the Indonesian Smart Card (KIP), the Prosperous Family Saving Card (KKS), and the Persons with Disability Assistance Cards (KASPDB), at the Tulikup Village Field, Gianyar Regency, President Joko Widodo accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana continued the series of the working visit in Bali with opening the 2015 Presidents Cup Football Tournament at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali, on Sunday (30/8) afternoon.
The President’s Cup Football Tournament was kicked off with a match between the host team Bali United against Persija Jakarta, in a stadium with a capacity of 25 thousand people.
In his speech, the President said he was thrilled as the football tournament in Indonesia can resume.
The President affirmed that the reform and the revival of football in Indonesia require a big step. “We have to be patience a little and sacrifice. No problem with the FIFAs sanction nor the Indonesias absence in the international tournament.
According to the President, what is experienced by Indonesia is also experienced by other countries, such as Australia, Iran, Spain, Brunei Darussalam, when they make corrections in their football management.
Therefore, the President Jokowi asserted that the revival of Indonesian football, total reform, reform of national football, is an option that should be taken to establish a national football achievements in the future.
“All parties must give supports to this measure. All must have the courage to sacrifice, all have to make sacrifices. It is a bitter pill to swallow, so that our football is to be healthy, so that our football is to develop,” the Head of State said.
The Presidents speech was ended with the inauguration statement and the wood sculpting for “Presidents Cup” marking the inauguration of the President’s Cup Football Tournament.
Before the kickoff, President Joko Widodo walked to midfield to shake hands and have a group photo with both teams.
Furthermore, the President kicked off the match by kicking a ball in the direction of the football team who lost the draw, and this at the same time marked the opening match of the 2015 Presidents Cup football tournament.
After the first round was over, the President went to the field to hand over balls to the 70 representatives of the underprivileged Football School (SSB) within the framework of a One-Million-Balls Movement. Seventy is a number chosen to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Indonesias Independence.
The Presidents Cup football tournament followed by 16 teams from Indonesia Super League (ISL) and the North Division provides a cash prize of Rp 3 billion for the first winner, Rp 2 billion for the runner-up, Rp 1 billion for the third winner, and Rp 500 million for the fourth winner.
This tournament is time for unity, peace, and revival of Indonesian football.
Attending the opening ceremony of the President’s Cup Football Tournament among others were Minister of Youths and Sports Affairs Imam Nahrawi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Agung, Minister of Finance Bambang Brodjonegoro, The National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti, Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) La Nyala Mattaliti, the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo, and Bali Governor Mangku Pastika. (ES) (Ardy/Yu-Naster/Sy).
