VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - The Youth and Sports Ministry has allocated government aid worth Rp399.5 billion (US$26 million) for preparations of the Indonesian U-17 football team and the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup that will be hosted by Indonesia.

The junior-level football world cup is scheduled to take place from November 10 to December 2 this year.

"Today, we signed a cooperation (aid) of Rp399.5 billion, proving that the government is present to support the holding of the U-17 World Cup and the preparations of the Indonesian U-17 team," Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo remarked at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The ministry signed the cooperation agreement with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).

Minister Ariotedjo expressed hope that all related parties would ensure transparency and accountability of the management of the government aid.

"This is a large amount of fund, so we all have to ensure its transparency and accountability. I hope this fund will help improve our performance in football and regain the trust of international parties in Indonesia," he remarked.

Hopefully, this will help Indonesian football shine in the international arena, Ariotedjo stated.

The minister then explained that PSSI will follow up the aid cooperation agreement by coordinating with the ministry's funding and business office.

"Mr. Erick Thohir (chairperson of PSSI) will follow up the cooperation agreement with the Youth and Sports Ministry's funding and business office," he noted.

Meanwhile, Thohir remarked that the governmental aid would facilitate the government and national sports stakeholders to strengthen their unity for the sake of successfully holding world-class sporting events in Indonesia.

"We all have been waiting for this moment when the government and sports stakeholders unite to give the best to the nation and country," he remarked. (antaranews)