Chair of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir (middle) with Minister of Law and Human Rights, Supratman Andi Agtas (right), in a press statement in Jakarta on Thursday (September 19, 2024). (ANTARA/Dhemas Reviyanto/Spt/rst)
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Chair and member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Central Board, Erick Thohir, stated that FIFA and FIBA offices in Indonesia are proof of the government's seriousness in developing national sports.
"The international federations perceive our seriousness in developing national sports," Thohir stated on Thursday (September 19).
He affirmed that the operation of those offices in Indonesia is considered an achievement since not many countries have it.
The FIFA office in Indonesia, located at Menara Mandiri II, Jakarta, was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on November 10, 2023.
On September 17, 2024, President Joko Widodo inaugurated the FIBA Office at Menara Danareksa, Jakarta.
Thohir then ensured the government's support regarding the presence of those offices.
He said he would continue to communicate with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights to ensure that the operations of those offices were in accordance with the law.
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Hence, on Thursday, he met with Minister of Law and Human Rights Supratman Andi Agtas.
"We need a law to protect the existence of the two international federation offices in Indonesia," he emphasized.
While attending the inauguration of the FIFA Office in Jakarta, FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the efforts of President Widodo and Thohir in supporting the development of football in Indonesia.
According to Infantino, the FIFA office in Jakarta is an important step to improving the quality of football worldwide.
"We want to continue to bring football to the world with a positive impact in the country and throughout the region," he remarked.
Meanwhile, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis expressed hope that the FIBA Office in Jakarta would further popularize basketball in Indonesia.
"We want more young people, both boys and girls, to play basketball. We will work together with the Indonesian basketball federation, Perbasi," Zagklis stated during the inauguration of the FIBA office.
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Translator: Michael Siahaan, Resinta SulistiyandariEditor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga Copyright © ANTARA 2024
