Indonesia Loses Potential Income of up to Rp3.7 Trillion Due to Failed Hosting of the U-20 World Cup

Dream - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, revealed that Indonesia lost a potential income of up to Rp3.7 trillion as a result of not being able to host the U-20 World Cup.

Through his personal Instagram account, he stated that the failure to become the host of the event has had a significant impact on the tourism and creative economy sector in Indonesia.

In particular, it has affected the attraction of tourists and the potential economic turnover for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“In the matches that have been scheduled in six cities, there were a total of more than 2 million to 2.3 million spectators, and the minimum impact reached Rp3.7 trillion (rupiah), which is a significant loss,” he said, as quoted from a video on Instagram @sandiuno, Saturday, April 1, 2023.

However, according to him, there is an even greater loss, which is the shattered dreams of the Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) team to compete on the stage of the U-20 World Cup.

“But an even greater loss is our hope to realize the dreams of our young people to be part of the football event, which is somewhat similar to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” he said.

The former Vice Governor of Jakarta stated that in the future, Indonesia will continue to invite various world-class events in various fields to maintain its reputation as a leading destination.

“Because we will continue to invite world-class events, including music concerts and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) in various fields,” said Sandiaga.

According to him, Indonesia's reputation as a leading destination must be maintained so that it does not have a negative impact following the failure to become the host of the U-20 World Cup.

“That is the image and reputation of Indonesia as a leading destination that we must protect and ensure it is not negatively affected,”

Furthermore, Sandiaga also invited the public to improve Indonesian football in all aspects in the future.

“Let us strive to improve Indonesian football from all aspects, improve the quality of the league from youth to senior level, improve infrastructure, and other supporting components,” wrote Sandiaga Uno in his post.