We have deployed thousands of personnel.
Bandung, W Java (ANTARA) - The West Java Regional Police applied layered security for the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) matchday between Indonesia and Curaçao at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium, Bandung City, West Java, on Saturday.

Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the regional police Senior Commissioner Ibrahim Tompo said his side had divided the stadium area into three security zones to handle ticketless spectators.

"The security is mainly implemented by the Bandung Resort Police, while we are (only) backing them up. We have deployed thousands of personnel," he stated here on Saturday.

Prospective spectators aged 18 years and above should have received the COVID-19 booster vaccine to be able to watch the game. Meanwhile, those aged 18 years or under are required to have received the second vaccination shot.

The police officer noted that the vaccination requirements were asked when the prospective spectators purchased their tickets online. Thus, unvaccinated people cannot buy the tickets.

Nonetheless, he appealed to visitors to apply strict health protocols. He also urged them to jointly maintain a secure and orderly situation during the implementation of the match.

"Thus, the audiences are expected to be able to watch and enjoy (the game) without any public security and order problems," he added.

During the FIFA matchday, the national teams of Indonesia and Curaçao will play two matches.

The first match will take place on Saturday (September 24, 2022) at 8 p.m. Western Indonesian Standard Time (WIB) at the GBLA Stadium.

Furthermore, the second one will be held at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor District, West Java Province, on Tuesday (September 27, 2022).

Earlier, Chairperson of Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Mochamad Iriawan had expressed optimism that the matches would elevate the Indonesian national team's ranking at FIFA – as currently the squad is ranked 155th. Meanwhile, currently, Curaçao is ranked 84th.

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Translator: Bagus Rizaldi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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