Now or Never

The presence of Gianni Infantino in Jakarta and his commitment to guarding the transformation of the state of Indonesian football is a priceless gift.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

Presiden Joko Widodo met President of FIFA Gianni Infantino in Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (18/10/2022). FIFA and government of Indonesia commit to assist indonesia soccer transformation after tragedy in Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, October 1st 2022.

Gianni Infantino, the president of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), met President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (18/10/2022). Later in the afternoon at 03.25 p.m., Infantino visited the PSSI office.

During a meeting with President Jokowi, Indonesia and FIFA agreed to review the structural soundness of soccer stadiums as well as the possibility of using technology to help mitigate various potential problems that can endanger spectators or players.

For the sake of this transformation, Infantino will have an office in Indonesia for some time.

Together with FIFA, the government will review Indonesian football stakeholders and ensure the transformation of the state of Indonesian football. For the sake of this transformation, Infantino will have an office in Indonesia for some time (Kompas, 19/10/2022).

We still cannot forget how heartbreaking was the deadly tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java, early last October. As of Tuesday (18/10), the death toll of the stadium stampede, which received a wide attention in many parts of the world, had reached 133 people. The mishandling of the crowds after the match of the home team Arema FC against Persebaya Surabaya caused thousands of spectators jostling at the exit. At least 100 people were at the spot.

CHRISTINA MUTIARANI JEINIFER SINADIA

President of world soccer governing body FIFA, Gianni Infantino, at Indonesian soccer union headquarter, Jakarta, Tuesday, (18/10/2022).

Logically, the deadly incident in the Kanjuruhan stadium could have caused Indonesia a lot of problems. In fact, the FIFA’s sanctions we received a couple of years ago could be imposed again as a number of chronic problems are still unresolved.

Among other things, the number of spectators exceeded the total capacity of the stadium, the management of spectators entering the field was far from adequate and the use of tear gas resulted in the loss of life. This incident has been followed up by an investigation process, both by law enforcement agencies and the Joint Independent Fact Finding Team (TGIPF).

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Several parties have also been named as suspects. However, the most important thing is, of course, how we should manage our football, especially the professional league. How are the stadiums: are they up to international standards? How is the competition committee: can they work professionally so as to minimize potential problems? This includes cooperating with security forces.

Not to forget the management of the spectators. Can they, maybe some of us too, accept whatever results in the match elegantly, so as to avoid unsportsmanlike attitudes?

These questions, at least, must be answered and should be in the years to come. It is time for Indonesia not only to be proud as a country with the most soccer fans, but also as a football nation with a lot of achievements. It must start from our league. It is now the time for us to make a change. If we miss this opportunity, the state of our national football will sink again.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi.