This is what we must anticipate — the safety of the supporters
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), as a potential venue for the 2023 U-17 World Cup, has certain limitations in terms of spectator access and limited parking area, the National Football Association (PSSI) has said.

"JIS also will be checked by us for sure. What's certain is that it is noted that the issues (at the stadium) include parking space and access for audience. What's supposed to be four gates, only one gate just opened. This is what we must anticipate — the safety of the supporters," Head of the PSSI Erick Thohir said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta on Monday.

He affirmed that he will follow the directions given by President Joko Widodo, who has provided JIS as one of the options other than Gelora Bung Karno Stadium for hosting the World Cup.

However, JIS also lacks in some aspects, such as access to spectator entry and exit, which could pose a safety risk, he said.

Moreover, the stadium's choice of synthetic grass is also a cause for concern, he added.

Hence, he and the acting Jakarta governor as well as Public Housing and Public Works Minister Basuki Hadimuljono will review JIS in person to ensure that the arena meets FIFA standards.

"What shortcomings must be addressed? I believe that it's impossible for FIFA to say that it does not meet the standards because of some politically charged thing, no. But indeed, the standards must be (met)," he said.

The minister further said that the association is currently awaiting FIFA officials' arrival so they can coordinate on the standards and the choice of stadiums that would be fitting for the global competition.

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked Thohir to consider other stadiums for the grand event.

According to the head of state, the government and PSSI will look for a solution considering that FIFA's U-17 World Cup will be hosted from November 10 to December 2, 2023, coinciding with a Coldplay concert on November 15 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan.

Widodo then listed some stadiums that can be used as alternative venues, such as JIS, Solo's Manahan Stadium, Bandung's Jalak Harupat Stadium, and Surabaya's Bung Tomo Stadium.

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Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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