Eric Thohir, the head of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), announced that the association has received substantial support from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) to promote football in schools. This announcement was made during the PSSI awards ceremony held at Studio 6 Emtek in Jakarta, where Thohir emphasized that this support will enable the association to expand its football development program across various educational levels.
Thohir stated, "Thank God, we at PSSI have received support from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as the activities we have conducted so far at the grassroots level are not sufficient. The minister has given us the opportunity to collaborate in organizing matches at the primary and secondary school levels, which we consider an important step towards developing the game in Indonesia."
Event Details
In a related context, Abdul Muqi, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, expressed his gratitude to the association for the fruitful collaboration established between the two parties. The program "Indonesian Student Gala," which is part of the ministry's efforts to develop football, was honored with the Football Development Program Award at the PSSI awards ceremony.
Abdul Muqi added, "We believe there are many talents in Indonesia, and we strive to discover them among millions of students. We hope these students can become outstanding players at the national level and elevate Indonesia's name in international arenas."
Background & Context
The history of football in Indonesia spans decades, as it is considered the most popular sport in the country. However, developing young talent has always been a challenge due to a lack of institutional support. In recent years, the Indonesian government has begun to recognize the importance of sports as a means to promote public health and build national identity, leading to increased investments in school sports programs.
This move is part of a broader strategy aimed at building a strong base of young players, contributing to the improvement of Indonesian football on the international stage. The collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the association reflects a new direction towards integrating sports into the school curriculum.
Impact & Consequences
The government support for the Indonesian Football Association is a strategic step that could lead to improved performance of the national team in the long term. By enhancing football in schools, the country can discover and develop new talents, contributing to building a strong team capable of competing in international tournaments.
This collaboration may also open doors for new partnerships between the public and private sectors, enhancing investment opportunities in sports infrastructure. If these initiatives succeed, Indonesia could become a sports hub in Southeast Asia.
Regional Significance
Many Arab countries are looking to enhance sports in schools, as football is a fundamental part of the sports culture in the region. Indonesia's experience in supporting football in schools could serve as a model for Arab nations seeking to develop their sports talents.
Moreover, collaboration between governments and sports federations can contribute to improving the level of sports overall, thereby enhancing the status of these countries on the international stage.