TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo showed respect for Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster who voiced objections to the planned arrival of the Israeli national team for the U-20 World Cup.

"This is a democratic country," Jokowi said in a press statement after the inauguration of the Lido Special Economic Zones (KEK) in Bogor Regency, West Java on Friday, March 31, 2023.

However, Jokowi underlined that matters of sports and politics should be separated. "I have already said this: don't mix them up. There is a political area, and there is a soccer area," Jokowi remarked.

FIFA decided to remove Indonesia as the host of the upcoming U-20 World Cup, which was slated to be held in Bali in May 2023. Israel’s participation was considered to be the cause, even though FIFA did not mention the Israel issues in its statement.

Earlier on Thursday, March 30, Jokowi said FIFA's decision must be respected. "I know that this decision has disappointed many people, and so am I. I am disappointed and sad," Jokowi said in an official statement.

However, Jokowi called on the public not to waste energy blaming each other and to make this a valuable lesson for Indonesia's national football.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO

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