"Manahan Stadium is currently being used for the first round of League 1. Before the U-20 World Cup, we will make some improvements if needed," Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated in Solo, Monday.
Raka expressed optimism that the stadium would still be used to hold the League 1 matches before the U-20 World Cup match. League 1, which has just returned after the tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, has completed its first round.
"The U-20 World Cup match is still five months away, but the Manahan Stadium is already in good condition," Raka remarked.
However, he said the regional government would make some improvements if needed in the future. The mayor pointed to the presence of some puddles on the field. This condition certainly could happen during heavy rains but would dry out quickly.
Raka is also upbeat about the Ministry of Youth and Sports accommodating events, such as League 1, to still take place at the Manahan Stadium.
"I will try to coordinate with the minister of youth and sports," he noted.
Regarding welcoming the supporters at the U-20 World Cup match in Solo, the mayor said he would arrange the organizing committee later.
The regional government will also support and prepare infrastructures, such as hotels and transportation similar to the earlier big events in the city, such as the ASEAN Para Games and the 2022 Muktamar.
Raka remarked that the Manahan Stadium would be sterilized for the U-20 World Cup preparations in January 2023. However, his side is still awaiting instruction from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to start the renovation.
Indonesia was appointed to host the U-20 World Cup using six stadiums: the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta; Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Soreang, West Java; Manahan Stadium in Solo; Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, East Java; Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Bali; and Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang, South Sumatra.
Apart from Manahan Stadium as the main arena for the U-20 World Cup matches, the city government has also prepared Sriwedari Stadium, Kotabarat Field, Sriwaru Field, and Banyuanyar Field for training the participating teams.
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Translator: Bambang Dwi M, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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