Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Joint Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia and President of FIFA, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, October 18, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Today I have met President of Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Mr. Gianni Infantino and we have discussed an important issue on Indonesian football following the tragedy in Malang city, on October 1, 2022.

We have had a detailed discussion, and in the meeting, President of FIFA expressed his deep condolence and sympathy to the victims’ families, and his concern over the tragedy. We agree that this tragedy serves as a very important lesson for Indonesian football and also the football world. Such tragedy must not happen again, and do not let the euphoria of spectators watching a football match lead to a misfortune and disaster.

And, we agree to make a thorough transformation in Indonesian football, to ensure all aspects of the matches conform to the safety standards regulated by FIFA and the safety and security of both players and spectators must be guaranteed. Therefore, we agree to review the qualification for the stadiums and also to apply technology in order to help mitigate various potential risks that may harm the spectators as well as the players.

The Government and FIFA also agree to ensure the matches of U20 FIFA World Cup to be held in Indonesia can run well. All aspects of preparation and implementation must be ensured to comply with FIFA standards and to be handled well and professionally.

We also jointly review all the stakeholders of Indonesian football.

The Government and FIFA want to ensure that the transformation process of Indonesian football can run according to regulated standards. Thus, let us make this consensus a momentum to improve Indonesian football system, so Indonesian football becomes a national pride and perfoms better in the future.

That concludes my statement.

(AW/MUR)