Erick Thohir Against Indonesian Football Being Too “Java-Centric”

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Chairperson of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir, has explained that the Independence Cup (Piala Kemerdekaan) tournament is being held in Medan, North Sumatra, to prevent Indonesian football from being too “Java-centric”. He acknowledged that matches are usually centralized on the Java island.

This tournament is held as a preparation for the Indonesian U-17 national team ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. During the competition, Indonesia is scheduled to face two confirmed teams: South Africa and Tajikistan.

“The national team belongs to all Indonesian people, not just specific to Java. Moreover, the government has started to build many stadiums in various regions. We should appreciate the government, especially the local governments that are progressive and also want to bring the national team to different regions,” Erick said at a press conference at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Thursday.

Thohir added that this is an opportunity to utilize the new infrastructure. “This time, the Piala Kemerdekaan and U-17 trial will be held in the Sumatra region, not too Java-centric. The venue being used was previously built and utilized for the National Sports Week (PON) last year,” he said.

PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinuligga, also present at the press conference, stated that holding the tournament in Medan fulfills the locals’ long-standing desire to witness an international competition.

“It has been a long time since international football matches have taken place outside Java, maybe 30-40 years for Sumatra. So, this is also a good thing,” said Arya, who was born in Karo, North Sumatra.

Both South Africa and Tajikistan are also participating in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. South Africa, making its second appearance, is in Group A along with Qatar, Italy, and Bolivia.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan, participating for the third time, is grouped with the United States, Burkina Faso, and the Czech Republic in Group I.

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