VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo asked related parties to check the readiness of the facilities for holding the U-20 World Cup, and the national team's readiness for the international event which will take place in May-June 2021.

"Today's limited meeting we will again discuss and see preparations for the 2021 U-20 World Cup, which God willing, will be held in May and June 2021," said President Jokowi at the Bogor Palace, Tuesday.

President Jokowi conveyed this in a limited meeting on the topic "Development of Preparations for the 2021 U-20 World Cup" which was carried out through a "video conference".

"For that, I ask for an updated report related to readiness, especially the readiness of the main stadiums and supporters in the 6 designated cities," said the President.

The U-20 World Cup is scheduled to be held on May 20 - June 12, 2021.

"At the last meeting we have selected 6 provinces to host the competition, namely DKI Jakarta, South Sumatra, West Java, Central Java, East Java, and Bali," the President added.

There are six stadiums that have been prepared as the venue, namely Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium (Palembang), Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (Jakarta), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Manahan Stadium (Solo), Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya) and Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium (Bali).

"I also want to get a report from PSSI regarding the readiness of the national team to compete in the U-20 World Cup," said the President.

According to the President, the most important thing is that the host can make sure it has implemented strict health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Finally, this is the most important thing we have to ensure that Indonesia has prepared strict health protocols so it is very safe to visit and host the U-21 World Cup in 2021," said the President.

President Jokowi has previously formed a national committee for the 2021 FIFA U-20 World Cup which is called the INAFOC National Committee (Indonesia FIFA U-2- World Cup Organizing Committee).

The formation of INAFOC was based on Presidential Decree No. 19 of 2020 concerning the National Committee for Organizing the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2021 and Indonesian Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2020 concerning Support for the Implementation of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2021, both issued on September 15, 2020.

The chairman of the steering committee is the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy with the ministers of the Advanced Indonesia cabinet as members plus the Head of the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency, the Presidential Chief of Staff, and the Head of the Government Goods / Services Procurement Policy Institute.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the INAFOC executive committee is the Minister of Youth and Sports Zainuddin Amali, the Chairperson of the implementing committee in facilities and infrastructure is the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, while the Executive Chair for the achievements of the Indonesian National Football team is the General Chair of the Indonesian Football Association, Mochamad Iriawan. (Antaranews)