President Prabowo Inaugurated 17 FIFA Certified Stadiums
- VIVA.co.id/Yeni Lestari
Sidoarjo, VIVA – President Prabowo Subianto officially inaugurated the renovation and construction of 17 stadiums across Indonesia at Gelora Delta Sidoarjo Stadium, Sidoarjo Regency, East Java Province, on Monday (March 17).
This inauguration came after several stadiums had been revamped and built as well as were certified to have met the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) standards.
Presiden Prabowo Subianto (Tangkapan Layar Sekretarian Presiden)
- VIVA.co.id/Rahmat Fajar (Surabaya)
The total cost for renovating and constructing these 17 stadiums reached IDR 1.74 trillion, with the project running from 2023 to 2024.
In his speech, President Prabowo expressed his gratitude to all parties involved for making this project a success.
“I said thank you to all those who have worked hard so that today we can inaugurate 17 international-standard stadiums that have been inspected, met the requirements, and approved by FIFA,” said the head of state.
Furthermore, President Prabowo emphasized that football game is more than just a sport; it is also a symbol of national pride.
He stressed that a powerful nation must have physical and mental resilience and an unwavering fighting spirit.
“Sports are one of the key indicators to assess whether a nation has spirit, determination, or if it easily gives up or lacks care,” he stated.
The President also highlighted how many nations, despite economic limitations, have achieved great success in world football through sheer determination and perseverance.
As part of the Government’s commitment to developing national football, he reiterated that support for the country’s football development will continue through strategic policies and additional infrastructure projects.
“Indonesia must qualify for the World Cup. That is our goal,” he stated optimistically.
The president added, “With the success of these 17 stadiums, we were also determined to build more. Perhaps in the next 2-3 years, we will build another 17 or even 20 more stadiums. Ultimately, every regency should have a quality stadium. That is our target."
Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of supporting amateur football clubs and ensuring that schools have adequate sports facilities.
He expressed hope that every school in Indonesia will have a proper football field to nurture young talent in the sport.
“That is our goal, and we will achieve it. The most important thing is the determination, the vision, and the courage, then the steps to realize it will follow,” he concluded.
