- Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden
Kalimantan – The Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Friday did a groundbreaking for the National Training Center in the IKN Nusantara Area, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan.
"Indonesia has many international standard stadiums spread across various cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua. But it does not yet have a centralized and integrated training ground," President Jokowi said on Friday.
The Head of State is optimistic that with the presence of a Training Center with good management, adequate facilities and infrastructure, as well as a huge public love for football, the national team will not only triumph in Southeast Asia but also soon go global.
"By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially declare the laying of the first stone (groundbreaking) for the construction of the national training center," President Jokowi said.
Presiden Jokowi melakukan peletakan batu pertama Hotel Nusantara IKN.
- Biro Pers Sekretariat Presiden
On the same occasion, Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir said that the groundbreaking of the national training center in the National Capital is a new chapter in the world of Indonesian football.
Minister Thohir said this dream couldn’t be separated from the encouragement and trust of President Jokowi and the commitment of FIFA who saw a plan for the transformation of clean and outstanding Indonesian football.
"This is the dream that football lovers have been waiting for, where we can finally make history by having an integrated Training Center for the national football team," Minister Thohir said.
Minister Thohir said that FIFA gave IDR 85.6 billion for the construction of the first phase of the Training Center for two pitches, lodging for players and coaches, and changing rooms.
In phase two of construction, eight fields will be built consisting of five large fields, one futsal field, one closed training field, and a bits football field along with other supporting facilities, such as a swimming pool, science sports, and other amenities.
"I think this is a symbol that the international world. FIFA believes that the IKN Nusantara development truly real, and this is certainly a positive thing," the Minister stated.
