3-10-2023 (JAKARTA) As Indonesia prepares to host the FIFA Under-17 World Cup next month, efforts are underway to enhance the country’s football infrastructure and cultivate a culture of sportsmanship, following a tragic incident at Kanjuruhan Stadium in October last year. The government is focused on renovating stadiums across the nation to meet FIFA’s standards and implementing measures to prevent supporter violence.
Scheduled to commence on November 10, the biennial international men’s youth football tournament will feature 24 nations competing for the prestigious cup. Matches will be held in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, and Surakarta. This is Indonesia’s first time hosting a FIFA tournament, and their U-17 squad qualifies automatically as the host nation. Captain Iqbal Gwijangge expressed determination in preparing the team to compete against international rivals.
Indonesia took over as the tournament organizer after Peru was stripped of its hosting rights due to non-compliance with infrastructure commitments.
Football enjoys immense popularity in Indonesia, with the sport witnessing a surge in interest following last year’s FIFA World Cup. Several local football academies have experienced approximately a 20% increase in enrollment. However, experts suggest that greater emphasis should be placed on grassroots development and long-term planning.
Bernhard Schumm, former coach of the Indonesian national team, emphasized the importance of starting with the fundamentals and adopting a long-term perspective, similar to top European football countries. He urged the country to focus on building a strong foundation for the sport’s growth.
Leading the way in talent development is Persija Jakarta, a club competing in Liga 1, Indonesia’s top-tier professional football league. The club’s president director, Ambono Janurianto, highlighted the establishment of football schools and academies as pathways for players to achieve senior-level recognition. This comprehensive approach aims to transform Indonesian football.
Indonesian football received a boost earlier this year when the national team won the gold medal in a thrilling SEA Games final match in Cambodia. Furthermore, the country successfully attracted World Cup winners Argentina to Jakarta for a friendly match against the national team. These positive developments signify progress for a nation that experienced its worst football tragedy just a year ago.
On October 1, 2022, a stampede occurred at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java, resulting in the deaths of 135 people and injuries to hundreds more. This incident prompted the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) to initiate reforms to prevent future tragedies and avoid FIFA sanctions.
The Indonesian government plans to invest nearly US$124 million in renovating 22 stadiums next year as part of its reform efforts. Safety measures already implemented include scheduling matches between rival clubs in the afternoon instead of the evening and prohibiting away fans from attending games. While these measures have faced criticism from supporters and clubs, authorities believe they are necessary to ensure safety.
However, despite these safeguards, instances of violence have shifted to online platforms and local neighborhoods. Verbal abuse and provocation now occur through social media, exacerbating tensions between rival supporters. Experts emphasize that addressing the root cause of violence requires a shift in mindset and the cultivation of good sporting values from an early age.
Football pundit Kesit Handoyo stressed the need to transform not only the infrastructure but also the culture surrounding the sport. He emphasized that fostering good sportsmanship and teaching individuals to accept both victory and defeat are crucial in creating a safe and respectful football environment.
The upcoming U-17 World Cup provides Indonesia with an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reforming football and restoring its reputation. Observers believe that through comprehensive efforts, the country can build a sustainable and successful football culture.
