TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi announced Indonesia's interest in co-hosting the U-20 World Cup with Singapore today, two days after the final of the U-17 World Cup hosted by Indonesia.

"I'm certain that Indonesia and Singapore would become good hosts," he said during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta on Monday.

Jokowi claimed that the U-17 World Cup, hosted in four cities over the course of one month was a success, with Germany coming out as the winner after beating France in a penalty shootout.

"FIFA appreciated [U-17 World Cup] as one of the best events. This achievement is the pride of all Indonesians," he said. According to him, this will create a positive shift in the world's perception of Indonesia, as well as good for economic and tourism growth.

In addition to hosting the U-20 World Cup in 2025, Indonesia and Singapore also proposing to co-host the U-17 World Cup in 2025 and 2029. Furthermore, Jokowi claimed that the declaration of interest with Singapore and FIFA has been signed.

Indonesia almost hosted the U-20 World Cup 2021

Previously, FIFA appointed Indonesia in 2019 to host the U-20 World Cup 2021. The tournament was postponed to 2023 due to the pandemic but the plan for Indonesia to host the cup was unchanged.

Several stadiums across the country were renovated in anticipation of the tournament, scheduled for May 20 to June 11, 2023, in Jakarta, Bandung, Palembang, Solo, Surabaya, and Bali.

However, due to rejections against the national team of Israel at the time, FIFA proceeded to remove Indonesia as the host with Argentina as the replacement.

FIFA then appointed Indonesia to host the U-17 World Cup last June, replacing Panama.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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