President Jokowi Orders Thorough Preparation for U20 World Cup

President Jokowi and VP Ma’ruf Amin enter the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (17/1). (Photo by: Jay/PR).

In a bid to prepare for the hosting of the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered his administration to inspect the stadiums that will be used for football matches.

“I have received a report that there are ten stadiums prepared, six main stadiums and four additional stadiums,” President Jokowi said in his remarks on the Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Friday (17/1).

The President also said that every corner of the stadiums must be checked—starting from the surrounding, the fields, seat, locker rooms, toilets, and the media centers—and must meet world-class standard.

“If there is something that needs to be fixed or be repaired, it should be fixed immediately to ensure its readiness,” he added.

President Jokowi has also ordered his administration to pay attention to connectivity between stadiums and modes of transportations for participants of the event.

“Don’t let any transportation problems delay the match,” he said, adding that accommodation facilities and infrastructure must have world-class service.

According to the President, the U-20 World Cup serves as an important momentum to show the world that Indonesia is a developed country and a big country that can host an international event very well.

“Do remember that the FIFA U-20 World Cup will be the worldwide spotlight since the event will be joined by 24 countries from five continents,” President Jokowi said.

The President also also ordered that Indonesia’s experience and success in organizing the Asian Games and Asian Paragames in 2018 be a benchmark for organizing the upcoming U-20 World Cup. (IFR/FID/SM/EN)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas