FIFA to Inspect JIS Readiness for U-17 World Cup

Jakarta – Jakarta International Stadium or JIS will be place for the U-17 World Cup 2023. But there are many shortcomings, but renovations and preparations are still warning for a meeting. 

So far, according to the Chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, FIFA plans to visit Indonesia to check readiness of JIS for this international sport event. 

"FIFA will come to inspect the stadium and determine which ones meet the standard. Second, before FIFA arrives, we will conduct an inspection," Minister Thohir said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday. 

As long as there has been no verification from FIFA and a decision on the use of the JIS, the renovation cannot be determined. In addition, according to Minister Thohir, there are still other fields. 

Moreover, in Indonesia, there are 22 sports stadiums that are planned to be renovated.

Separately, Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, who was met after the Plenary Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday, also stated that there has been no assignment to renovate JIS, let alone budget allocation for it.

"If the budget for JIS renovation is not available, maybe it will come from DKI. Tomorrow morning, we will meet with the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises and the Acting Governor of DKI, Heru Budi Hartono, at my office," he said.

So far, according to Basuki, 22 stadiums in Indonesia have been evaluated. The renovation program for the 22 stadiums, including the stadium planned to be used in the U-20 World Cup, has also been prepared.

"As for (renovation) JIS, we have not been assigned to it," he said.

As information, FIFA appointed Indonesia as the host of the U-17 World Cup last week. The event will be held from November 10th to December 2nd, 2023.

In the U-17 World Cup, there are 24 qualifying teams divided into six groups. Therefore, six stadiums are needed for the U-17 World Cup to be held.

"Our stadium is not just GBK, there are others. There is JIS, Manahan, Jalak Harupat, and many more."

Indonesia actually already has six stadiums ready for the hosting of the U-20 World Cup. FIFA has previously stated that the six stadiums are suitable for use in the World Cup.