Indonesian Minister on Israel Participation in U-20 World Cup: We Don't See Any Threat
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5 April 2023 17:29 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - INDONESIA’s dream of hosting the U-20 World Cup was dashed when the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) on March 29 stripped Indonesia of the rights to host the event. Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) Chair Erick Thohir flew to Qatar in a futile attempt to lobby FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the latter remained firm with the decision.
Erick subsequently reported the meeting outcome to President Joko Widodo citing two possible reasons: the regional government heads’ refusal to allow the U-20 matches in their region, and security concerns.
Muhadjir Effendy, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Affairs currently doubling as acting Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, revealed that Indonesia had given several conditions to FIFA: among others, not hoisting the Israeli flag, not playing the Israeli national anthem, and playing in an empty stadium.
However, he could not confirm if it was these conditions or the protest from the Muslim organizations coupled with the letter from Bali Governor I Wayan Koster rejecting the presence of the Israeli team that had led to FIFA’s decision. “We don’t know either. FIFA only said it was due to the current circumstances,” Muhadjir told Tempo reporters on April 1.
Before being appointed as the acting sports and youth affairs minister on March 16, Muhadjir was the chair of the steering committee for the 2021 U-20 World Cup which was canceled due to the pandemic. Below, Muhadjir explained a myriad of issues surrounding the government’s efforts to lobby FIFA.
What preparations were made for the U-20?
The preparations had been handled by the Deputy V coordinator of the human development and culture affairs division in charge of fostering sports performance because we didn’t think there was anything crucial. Around January, we had a coordination meeting and only then did we start paying attention to the Israeli team. It should be understood that we were preoccupied with Covid-19. And it was the concern of the PSSI. We should acknowledge that it was one of the factors. The second factor was the change in PSSI leadership. That also had an effect. Not to mention the Kanjuruhan case that also distracted us.
What did you do when you learned that Israel made it through the pre-qualifier?
I wrote to Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md. for an immediate security coordination meeting.
Was the Israeli team already an issue during the limited meeting in January?
No, it wasn’t. Many Israeli delegations have attended events in Indonesia, not only during Pak Jokowi’s era but also before that. But they were invited by international organizations. We were just the place of these events.
The same as this U-20?
Yes. The foreign affairs ministry has the requirements for Israeli delegations that enter Indonesia.
What kind of requirements? Like they cannot hoist their flag?
Yes. Nor should they play their national anthem. There are a few. I proposed the same to the PSSI for negotiation with FIFA. There were no peculiar conditions.
What conditions were proposed to FIFA?
No national anthem. No Israeli flag. I stick to the foreign ministry’s regulations. It’s just that I added a condition of empty-stadium matches.
Did you anticipate the rejection (from the public)?
Yes, that there would be resistance but not anything serious. After all, mass organizations usually stage protests regarding Palestine. But I did write to Pak Mahfud for additional security. Just in case.
