Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inspecting Si Jalak Harupat Stadium and National Team Selection for U-17 World Cup, Bandung Regency, West Java Province, July 12, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Today, I come to Si Jalak Harupat stadium in Bandung regency, West Java province to inspect the newly renovated stadium which work was carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. I also would like to inspect national team selection process for U-17 World Cup.

I really appreciate that the renovation process has been done. The Fédération International de Football Association [FIFA] will again inspect the stadium for FIFA U-17 World Cup after inspecting it for FIFA U-20 Word Cup earlier. Some improvements including spectator seating, turf field, lighting, toilets, changing rooms, and access for entrances and exits in the stadium and the whole area have been constructed in detail by Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing. For FIFA U-20 World Cup, the stadium was declared feasible to use, but for FIFA U-17 World Cup, it still needs improvements. Improvement in turf field might be carried out.

I also would like to express my appreciation that national selection process will be held in ten cities. Earlier on, I asked Coach Bima Sakti about the number of players participating, today 187 players will go through the selection process. If all of them are good, 187 will be recruited, [or only] one, two, or three players

I think I have to give appreciation to PSSI for this kind of process which provides opportunities for our youths to take part in the U-17 World Cup. I think the management of PSSI under Mr. Erick Thohir has completely changed, so I want to see it.

That concludes my speech.

I thank you.

Reporter
I’m Didik from Radio Elshinta, Sir. Are you sure that the stadium is feasible for FIFA U-17 World Cup?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is FIFA, not the President, that determines whether it is feasible or not [for U-17 World Cup]. Our tasks are to prepare, improve, and renovate. When FIFA declares that the stadium is feasible, meaning that it is.

Reporter
I’m reporter from TV One, Sir. How many stadiums will be recommended to FIFA for FIFA U-17 World Cup?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There will be six until eight stadiums. Once again, all must be inspected by FIFA so that it is its authority to determine whether it is feasible or not. Our task is to prepare. That’s it.

Reporter
How about our target during FIFA U-17 World Cup, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is our hope that we can succeed into knockout stage. It is also our hope that we can succeed into final or be the champion. I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(AP/LW)