Proof of the Menpora Cup

ANTARA FOTO/MOHAMMAD AYUDHA

Persija players lift the Menpora Cup trophy after defeating Persib Bandung in the second leg of the Menpora Cup final at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, Sunday (25/4/2021). In the second match, Persija won 2-1 or won 4-1 on aggregate.

There is great hope that the Indonesian League will roll out this year after the Menpora (Youth and Sports Minister) Cup closes on Sunday (25/4/2021) evening, without becoming a new Covid-19 cluster.

Persija Jakarta emerged as champion after winning 2-1 over Persib Bandung in the second match of the final, Sunday evening at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta, Central Java. With this result, the "Kemayoran Tiger" team won 4-1 on aggregate goals.

The Menpora Cup as a pre-season event for the league was held in four cities, namely Surakarta, Sleman (Yogyakarta), Malang (East Java), and Bandung (West Java). During the championship, there were 39 matches in 36 days, and involved players, coaches and officials from the 17 participating teams, and match supporting facilities.

Also read: Keep the Soccer Competition Commitment

As an important note, the Menpora Cup did not lead to a cluster for the spread of Covid-19. The success was related to the disciplined application of health protocols during the tournament. One of the health protocols was only allowing a maximum of 299 people in the stadium, which was divided into four zones, namely the field as zone 1, zone 2 consisting of the changing rooms and stadium aisles. The grandstand was designated as zone 3. Zone 4 included the gate area and the parking area.

The Menpora Cup did not lead to a cluster for the spread of Covid-19.

Those who could enter the stadium area were required to show a negative antigen test. Those with negative Covid-19 tests were given special bracelets with a description.

Also read: Sports an Energy Source for Recovery

In the stadium area, several facilities related to health protocols were provided, namely body temperature checking devices and hand washing areas. PT Liga Indonesia Baru, on various occasions, emphasized that they were working hard to ensure that the health protocols were applied. The successful implementation of the health protocols was used as the basis for submitting applications for the 2021 Indonesian League permit, which was planned to start rolling in early July.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

An officer sprays disinfectant on the corner kick post before the match between PSM Makassar and PSS Sleman in the race for the 2021 Menpora Cup third place at Manahan Stadium, Surakarta, Central Java, Saturday (24/4/2021).

Unfortunately, the success of the Menpora Cup with the implementation of health protocols was tarnished by various incidents outside the stadium and occurred after the final. Celebrations by Persija supporters in several corners of Jakarta took place in crowds and ignored health protocols. In Bandung, disappointed Persib supporters also damaged public facilities. There were also vandalism that harmed others.

Citizens should understand that the issuance of a permit to organize the Menpora Cup requires effort and steps that are not easy. After the permit is issued, the tournament implementation also requires a lot of struggle and funding.

Also read: Problems in Indonesian Soccer

Do not let the efforts that have been made and the events that have been optimally realized in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, be tarnished by the actions of those who are not responsible. Do not let one rotten apple spoil the whole barrel.

The Indonesian public, especially soccer lovers, have longed for a championship in the midst of the pandemic. If the Indonesian League is canceled due to those who act immaturely, the wait for the next soccer event could be even longer.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.