Jusuf Kalla on U-20 Fiasco: Indonesia Could Act in Palestine's Interest by Accepting Israel

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) Jusuf Kalla on Monday commented on the controversy that arose in the Indonesian football scene after a number of communities rejected the participation of the Israel national team in the U-20 World Cup initially hosted by Indonesia. 

According to the former Indonesian vice president, the presence of the Israeli team should have been momentum for Indonesia to actively assist Palestinians in fighting for their rights. Kalla believes that one of the ways to do so is through peaceful dialogue. 

“By accepting Israel’s presence and participation at the U-20 World Cup could in fact show Indonesia’s active role in fighting for the rights of Palestinians,” said Kalla amidst his visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on March 27.

The draw for FIFA’s U-20 World Cup which was scheduled to take place in Bali on March 31 but has since been postponed. This is mainly due to the football organizer’s concerns regarding the protests against Israel’s participation, with one of the most prominent coming from Bali’s governor. 

A member of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) executive committee (Exco) Arya Sinulingga in a press conference on March 26 claims that the association had lobbied Bali’s governor I Wayan Koster to soften his stance regarding the matter. However, the results came empty as the lobby was rejected. 

Moreover. Jusuf Kalla believes there should be a mediator for this peaceful dialogue which he has pitched, and believes Indonesia could have taken that role.

"If Indonesia wants to act in the interests of the Palestinian people, then the position that must be strengthened is to know both parties better and push them forward to a fair negotiating table. Through the U-20 World Cup event by involving Israel it can actually build peace efforts which of course can support the interests of the people of Palestine," said Jusuf Kalla.

The 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup is planned to take place from 20 May - 11 June across a number of major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung, Solo, Palembang, Surabaya, and Bali. But with the cancellation of the drawing has put Indonesia’s role in the event on the verge of uncertainty.

RANDY FAUZI FEBRIANSYAH

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