Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Inauguration of the FIFA Jakarta Office, DKI Jakarta Province, November 10, 2023

Reporter:

What are your hopes for the new FIFA office in Jakarta?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, we talked about the transformation of Indonesian football a year ago, and we’re serious, fully committed to get started. And, this endeavor is fully supported by President Gianni with the FIFA office in Jakarta.

This is the Asia-hub office here. So we hope that with FIFA support, both in match management, security management, then refereeing governance, and security management at matches, every aspect will be completely supported under the guidance of FIFA.  And, I think Indonesia is currently making significant improvements of new chapter in Indonesian football.

I conveyed this to President Gianni that improvements have been made in refereeing and stadium infrastructure of the football governance. As many as 30 football stadiums have also begun to be revitalized. It is hoped this goes hand in hand with the existing governance and management supported by FIFA.

Reporter:

For representatives from FIFA, how many employees will be posted here?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

You can ask Mr. Gianni.

FIFA President (Gianni Infantino):

What is the question?

Reporter:

Your representatives in Jakarta, how many people will be in the office here?

FIFA President (Gianni Infantino):

Well, for now it’s a one floor office, around 20-30 people here based at the station, but then we plan to become bigger. Because, I mean, Indonesia is a big country, is a football country that is based as well in a very very important region in the whole of South-East and East Asia. And for me, we really want to have a real impact, not only in Indonesia but in the whole region, together with Indonesia. From Indonesia of course we work for Indonesian football all together for security on the fight against match fixing, for integrity, and most importantly for the development of women and men football, boys’ and girls’ football, with the training center with the FIFA academy. And being in the country which is investing in the future in everything, is a right place for FIFA to team up and work together for the future of Indonesia and the whole South East Asia from here.

Reporter:

Sir, the opening of the U-17 World Cup will be held soon. Do you have any targets for the Indonesian national team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):

Yes, we’ll see later. Please pray.

(RY/MUR)