TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated the multifunctional stadium Indonesia Arena in the Gelora Bung Karno Complex, near Hall A Basketball and archery field, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Monday, August 7 2023. Jokowi was accompanied by BUMN Minister Erick Thohir , Minister of Youth and Sports Dito Ariotedjo, Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono, Coordinating Minister for PMK Muhadjir Effendy, to Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.
Besides that, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta Heru Budi Hartono were also present. In addition, the inauguration ceremony was also attended by members of the Indonesian men’s national basketball team.
“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, this afternoon I inaugurated the Indonesia Arena in the Gelora Bung Karno area, Senayan,” Jokowi said at the inauguration ceremony. Apart from that, Jokowi also signed the inscription for the construction of the Indonesia Arena.
Work on the Indonesia Arena began in December 2021 by the Ministry of Works and Public Housing (PUPR) and was completed in June 2023. The stadium was built with an area of 50,300 square meters.
The new sports hall will be the venue for the 2023 FIBA World Cup from August 15-September 10. In the world basketball championship, Indonesia co-hosted the Philippines and Japan.
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FIBA World Cup 2023 itself will be held from August 25 to September 10. Indonesia has the opportunity to host the Group G match which consists of Iran, Brazil, Spain and Ivory Coast, then Group H which is inhabited by Canada, France, Latvia and Lebanon.
It has a capacity of 16 thousand spectators
Jokowi revealed that the Indonesia Arena had a capacity of around 16,000 spectators. The stadium, which is worth hundreds of billions of rupiah, said Jokowi, was successfully built in a short time.
“Built at a cost of Rp 640 billion, this construction took 18 months. It was very fast,” he said.
Can be used for concerts
Aside from being a place to hold basketball tournaments, Jokowi said the stadium could also be used for other activities. “The Indonesia Arena can be used for the main basketball tournament. But it can also be used for badminton, volleyball, futsal, and of course concerts,” said Jokowi.
Although the Indonesia Arena primarily functions as a sports ground, Jokowi believes it will be used more for music events. “I’m sure this will be used more for concerts,” he said.
Therefore, Jokowi invited musicians and music promoters who wish to perform at the Indonesia Arena to register immediately. “So now those who want to have a concert, please register immediately, because I’m sure this will be used more for concerts,” Jokowi said.
Preferably used for sports
Even so, Jokowi admitted that he would prefer the new stadium to be used for sports. “I prefer to use it for sports, but concerts are also important because I’m also happy,” he said.
Jokowi believes that every activity, including concerts, held at the Indonesia Arena will be beneficial for the economy. “Every time there is a concert, there must be a circulation of money, there is a circulation of the economy,” said Jokowi.
According to Jokowi, the economic cycle occurs when the audience spends money and spends. “There is an economic cycle, both above, below and in the middle,” he said.
The Minister of PUPR became the drummer for Chocolate
After giving his welcoming speech, Jokowi co-signed the inscription for the construction of the IMS or Indonesia Arena. The event was closed with the performance of the Choco music group. Uniquely, during the rock band’s performances, PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono also took the stage to give a musical performance.
Basuki Hadimuljono, who accompanied Jokowi in inaugurating the Indonesia Arena, became the temporary drummer for Coklat for the song “Old Wounds”. Chocolate vocalist Kikan said he was proud that his band and Minister Basuki Hadimuljono could be one of the first musicians to perform at the Indonesia Arena.
Jokowi also joked about Basuki Hadimuljono’s appearance. “Still inferior to John Bonham,” said Jokowi, comparing Basuki Hadimuljono’s appearance to that of the drummer for the legendary British music group, Led Zeppelin.
SULTAN ABDURRAHMAN | RINA WIDIASTUTI
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