Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Police allowed as many as 50 thousand spectators at the 2022 AFF Cup semi-final match between Indonesia and Vietnam at the Bung Karno Main Stadium.

"We are consistently keeping up with updates in the match and spectator behavior as well as a risk assessment, so 50 thousand spectators can watch the match later this afternoon at Bung Karno Stadium," Chief of Police's assistant for operations Inspector General Agung Setya Imam Effendy noted on Friday.

The match between Indonesia and Vietnam was originally scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time. However, for security reasons, the schedule was changed to 4:30 p.m. local time.

Effendy explained that security preparations for the match were getting better. The National Police focuses on collaborative efforts in controlling the behavior of spectators within and outside the stadium.

Stadium security is also an important part of matches that require proper preparation. Means to tackle risks of disturbances have been elaborated in the security and safety plan. Hence, security and safety become one aspect with a different focus.

Moreover, the arrival of players and spectators can pose risk of disturbances to security and safety. The Greater Jakarta Area Police has also deployed personnel to address the issues in accordance with each one's task.

Other preparations included required equipment, he remarked.

The system and method to handle each phase of the disturbance were tested. Preventive efforts are also taken to ensure no disturbances before, during, and after the game.

"Some 3,500 security personnel and 500 stewards have been prepared," he noted.

Based on the results of match security evaluation, the stadium management was recommended to improve the numbering of spectator seats, he stated. The organizers were also urged to fix the barcode scan or seat numbers setup as a means to ensure order in the stadium.

Moreover, they should ensure that the number of tickets sold was proportional to the stadium's capacity in order to ensure the safety and security of spectators, players, and officials of the two national teams.

Effendy also appealed for orderly conduct from everyone and to steer clear of doing anything that can be detrimental to themselves and stain Indonesia's honor in the world of football.

"Let us watch football comfortably, invite friends to sit according to the seat number on the ticket, and do not bring unnecessary items to the stadium, like sharp weapons, fireworks, alcohol, and other items that are prohibited. No provocation, enjoy the game and empathize with other spectators," he concluded.

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Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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