Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Meeting President of FIFA, at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, October 18, 2022

I had a discussion with FIFA President Gianni Infantino for thirty minutes. Then, together with Minister of Youth and Sports, Minister of SOEs and the team from FIFA for 1.5 hours. So in a total of two hours we discussed in detail about Indonesian football and what it would look like in the future.

We talked about issues related to stadium management, especially related to the facilities in the stadium, what the standards are like.

We also discussed issues related to security management, match management, especially issues related to timing, the management of supporters—what kind of engagement will be. We agreed that the transformation of Indonesian football will begin together with the FIFA, and the FIFA will have its office in Indonesia until everything goes well.

I have also conveyed that the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang will be demolished and we will rebuild it according to FIFA standards as an example of a standard stadium with good facilities, while ensuring the safety of spectators and players.

That’s all.

Reporter
Where will the FIFA be based, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
We will prepare it immediately.

Reporter
How long will FIFA stay in Indonesia? And what is their main target?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo

They will stay for a long period of time. President Gianni Infantino said that the FIFA will invest in Indonesia, in terms of stadium, safety, supporters, and soccer schools. He wants to pay special attention to our country. This is what we thankful for.

Reporter
Did you discuss the recommendations of the Fact-Finding Team?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
No, it is our internal issue.

Reporter
Is there time limit for the transformation process?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
The FIFA said that it will stay here for quite a long time.

Reporter
Will the PSSI be invited to the meeting?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
It is between the FIFA and the PSSI. What I discuss now is between the FIFA and the Government.

Reporter
It was said earlier that there are 10 stadiums prepared for the U-20s. The FIFA President said that the investment would come from the Indonesian Government only or would there be cooperation with other party, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo

The Government will handle specifically for the Malang Kanjuruhan Stadium. As for other investments, we will discuss in detail later maybe in Qatar or in Bali next month, or in Qatar during the World Cup event because I was invited.

Reporter
One of the recommendations from the Fact-Finding team is related to when the (Chairperson of) the PSSI be replaced. Have you received this information?

President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo
No. It is our internal issue. The work scope between the Government and the FIFA is not about that. That’s all.

(EST/MMB)