Hargo.co.id, JAKARTA – The government’s commitment to ensure and create a better football climate in Indonesia continues.
This commitment was solidified by President Jokowi’s agreement with FIFA’s president for the implementation of football matches that adhere to international standards.
FIFA’s president himself acknowledged Indonesia’s potential to advance world football, not only in Southeast Asia but globally.
This positive outlook was welcomed by the Chairman of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), Erick Thohir.
Erick stated that they, in collaboration with the National Police (Polri), are committed to making the football environment even better and have already taken immediate action.
Furthermore, Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo quickly initiated the formation of a task force for the transformation of Indonesian football.
“Not stopping there, Mr. Kapolri and I agreed on the need for an independent task force,” said Erick at the Rupatama Mabes Polri on Wednesday (13/12/23).
“Here we have Mr. Maruar, Mrs. Najwa, and others, serving as comprehensive assistance,” he added.
Chairman of the Independent Task Force Team, Maruar Sirait, added that he acknowledges Indonesia’s golden age in football. According to him, this is evident in President Jokowi’s serious attention to the sports sector.
Additionally, the PSSI Chairman has restored public trust, coupled with the diligent efforts of the Police Chief in eradicating misconduct in football.
He admitted that eliminating match-fixing in Indonesian football is challenging, but he believes the police will bring all parties to justice.
He stated that reports of match-fixing mafias in Indonesian football have been submitted to the Independent Task Force.
“We believe, under Police Chief General Sigit, it will be processed; nothing will be processed correctly without facts and evidence,” he said.
Regarding the Independent Task Force, Najwa Shihab, a member of the team, outlined several tasks. They are tasked with receiving, managing, and investigating allegations of match-fixing.
Subsequently, the team will coordinate with the Police’s Anti-Mafia Football Task Force for legal follow-up.
Najwa admitted that during the government’s meeting with FIFA, she sought information on how to combat match-fixing.
Match-fixing occurs due to money involved in criminal activities during a match. “One of the most suitable therapies is indeed collaboration with law enforcement,” Najwa said.
She appreciates the coordination, initiation, and efforts under the leadership of General Sigit Prabowo. Najwa also emphasized the importance of public support and participation in maintaining football integrity in Indonesia.
The Police Chief added that a positive football environment must be realized to produce successful athletes and fair competitions. General Sigit ensured that the police’s commitment to helping create quality football would persist.
“To create a fair competition, we agree to collaborate in law enforcement with the task force, both the Police’s Anti-Mafia Football Task Force and the Independent Anti-Mafia Football Task Force, so that the football environment in the future can truly be better,” said General Sigit.
As proof of this commitment, the Anti-Mafia Football Task Force has uncovered several match-fixing cases. Previously, eight suspects were arrested, including one well-known figure with no prior legal issues.
Police Inspector General Asep Adi Suheri of the Anti-Mafia Football Task Force then revealed the arrest of four suspects involved in creating online gambling sites.
“Today, we announce to the public the arrest of four suspects involved in creating online gambling sites with an income of IDR 481 billion,” he said.
Furthermore, the money was also used to finance one football club, which is still under investigation to date.
“In handling match-fixing, we have designated four referees as suspects, and there is also one donor named VW,” he added (*).
Release: Public Relations Mabes Polri
