Jakarta, IO – Indonesia now possesses a large sports stadium with a seating capacity of over 16,000 people. The Indonesia Arena stadium, located in Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, was inaugurated on Monday, August 7, by President Joko Widodo.
The stadium has been prepared to host the group stage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Indonesia, running from August 25 to September 3, with Japan and the Philippines joining Indonesia as co-hosts.
“This stadium cost Rp 640 billion and was completed in 18 months. Basketball, badminton, volleyball, futsal, and even music concerts can all take place in this arena. Those who wish to hold a concert should register soon,” Jokowi said in his remarks.
“I would prefer the stadium be used for more sporting events, but it can also be used for concerts, as I enjoy music,” added Jokowi. “We hope to hold both national and international events at the Indonesia Arena in the future. This stadium completes Indonesia’s closed stadiums with exceptional requirements,” President Jokowi applauded.
President Jokowi symbolically inaugurated the Indonesia Arena by placing his right hand on the sensor and signing the inscription as a symbol of the inauguration. “This afternoon, by saying Bismillah, I inaugurated the Indonesia Arena in the Gelora Bung Karno Senayan area of DKI Jakarta,” announced Jokowi.
Jokowi approves of it, whether the stadium will be used more for sports and music concerts in the future. “As long as the stadium is used for an event that benefits the public, money circulates, which will lead to a positive economic cycle,” said the President.
A number of ministers also attended the inauguration, including the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of BUMN Erick Thohir, Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Investment Bahlil Lahadalia, Acting Governor DKI Jakarta Heri Budi Hartono, Head of LOC FIBA World Cup 2023 Indonesia, Budisatrio Djiwandono and brand ambassador for FIBA World Cup 2023, Cinta Laura.
Basuki performed as an honorary guest star drummer for the Cokelat band, which took part in the inauguration. Basuki played the drums for the “Luka Lama” song. Wika Salim was also one of the lineups performing and singing a birthday song for Bahlil, Minister of Investment, with Sandiaga leading the prayers for Bahli’s birthday.
Indonesia Arena is located at Block 10 of the Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) in Senayan, Jakarta, covering an area of 31,826 square meters with 50,398 square meters of buildings in the area. The stadium belongs to the Ministry of State Secretariat and is managed by the Bung Karno Gelora Complex Management Center (PPKGBK).
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Prior to the stadium’ s inauguration by President Jokowi, the 2023 FIBA World Cup Indonesia Local Committee (LOC) had organized a test event in collaboration with PP Perbasi. The Indonesia International Basketball Invitational (IIBI) event featured two Indonesian national basketball teams, senior and junior, competing against Syria and the United Arab Emirates. It took place from August 2 to 5, 2023, under the single round-robin format.
The Indonesia Arena is looking forward to holding more sporting events, tournaments, and concerts following the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Magnificent structures should mean Indonesia’s sporting triumphs. (rp)