Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The youth and sports ministry will develop at least 470 football fields in villages to encourage young people to play the sport.

"So far, we have received several complaints regarding the lack of sports facilities in rural areas. This program is one of the governments efforts to improve the management of football in the nation," Deputy V Gatot S. Dewa Broto in charge of harmony and partnership of the youth and sport ministry noted here, Wednesday.

Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi has designated the "one village one football field" program since he took charge of the ministerial post.

The AFC and FIFA were informed about the program when the two organizations leaders met President Joko Widodo recently.

During the first stage, some 100 football fields will be built, and the rest will follow until the end of this year, Broto revealed.

"The development will definitely be carried out in stages, and the number will be increased until 2019. Moreover, several sports stadiums will be built or renovated," he added.

Indonesia, with a population of more than 250 million, has some 75 thousand villages.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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