Access to JIS Plus, Grass Replaced According to FIFA Standards

Repairs or upgrades to the Jakarta International Stadium to comply with FIFA standards will last three months.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI.

FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

The condition of Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) in North Jakarta on Monday (26/6/2023). PT Jakarta Propertindo (Perseroda) or Jakpro is collaborating with Nine Sport Inc to manage JIS.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Access to the Jakarta International Stadium in North Jakarta will increase by five, making a total of six. The main field's grass will also be replaced. Improvements or upgrades are being made so that the stadium can meet FIFA standards, making it eligible for use in the U-17 World Cup.

The Jakarta International Stadium, as planned, will become a substitute for the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium for the 2023 Under-17 World Cup. However, the stadium requires repairs or improvements to meet FIFA standards when inspected.

On Tuesday (4/7/2023), Minister of Public Works and People's Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir, and Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono, visited JIS. The evaluation visit was conducted in light of the preparations for the U-20 World Cup tournament, which was cancelled.

At that time, the government was also evaluating 165 stadiums to comply with FIFA standards. From this evaluation, 22 stadiums were selected for renovation with a budget of Rp 1.9 trillion.

Basuki said access to JIS would increase by five from the current access of only one. The additions include a pedestrian bridge to Ancol which is one of the parking pockets, a passageway connected to the Harbor Toll Road, a temporary train station connected to JIS, and a level crossing and parking area at the end of the Kampung Bambu road.

"Unfortunately, this stadium does not meet the requirements. Efforts are being made to meet FIFA's criteria. Therefore, check to ensure that it is in accordance with the standards, and don't make it a controversy," said Basuki."

He exemplified one of the access obstacles for large-sized team buses and officials which is hindered by the size of the ticket door. The door will be widened in the future.

On the other hand, PT Jakarta Propertindo (Perseroda) as the manager ensures that access out of the main field which accommodates 82,000 spectators can take place within 15 minutes. This is based on the simulation that the manager has done. However, it will be re-evaluated for security and safety.

DOKUMENTASI HUMAS PEMPROV DKI JAKARTA

Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Chairman of the All Indonesia Football Association Erick Thohir, and Acting Governor of Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono, inspected the Jakarta International Stadium on Tuesday (4/7/2023). The stadium is being renovated or upgraded, including access and the grass, to meet FIFA standards and potentially become one of the venues for the U-17 World Cup.

Replace grass

Another evaluation result is that the grass in the main field must be replaced. JIS grass is currently a hybrid. Jakarta Propertindo uses a combination of natural and synthetic grass with a composition of 5 percent synthetic grass from Italy and 95 percent natural grass variety Zoysia matrella from Boyolali, Central Java.

The use of hybrid grass is similar to the Allianz Arena Stadium owned by FC Bayern Muenchen. For maintenance at JIS, a special tool is used that emits ultraviolet light.

Basuki mentioned that, according to turf experts, the current condition of JIS grass does not meet FIFA standards. The solution is to completely replace the grass for short-term use and switch to a different type of grass for the long-term.

Chairman Karya Rama Prima, Qamal Mustaqim, as a grass expert, stated that the grass at JIS is planted on synthetic turf. The planting medium is shallow so that the roots do not penetrate the soil, the grass also lacks sufficient sunlight and water exposure for growth.

"The grass at JIS needs 8 hours of sunlight, but only receives half of it. Its roots are shallow, leading to a lack of water," said Qamal."

The grass on the south side of the main field at JIS only receives sunlight for 6 hours a day. He suggested moving the grass from the golf course to JIS, or in the long run, replacing the grass.

"When the 2018 Asian Games were held, we relocated the golf course grass to Gelora Bung Karno. The budget for replacing the grass was IDR 6 billion," said Qamal.

Also Read: Fresh Wind for Jakarta International Stadium's Growth

FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Journalists recorded the condition of Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), North Jakarta, on Monday (26/6/2023).

The Chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association, Erick Thohir, hopes that a solution can be found so that JIS can be proposed as one of the stadiums for the U-17 World Cup and meets FIFA standards when inspected later. The improvement or upgrading of stadiums in the country is also for the benefit of the wider community, not just supporters in Jakarta and surrounding areas.

“The target is 3 months to complete the repair. We make sure the fans come safely and go home safely," said Erick.

Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, added that they are still discussing the budget for the U-17 World Cup. Currently, there is still remaining budget after the cancellation of the U-20 World Cup. If the budget is not sufficient, a request for additional funding will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance.