JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, has assured the safety of the Bahrain national football team as they prepare for their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying match against Indonesia at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

In a press conference at the Presidential Palace on October 21, 2024, Minister Dito emphasized that there are no security threats that would endanger the visiting team. “If there are statements from Bahrain expressing concerns about safety in Indonesia, I can assure you that there is no potential threat,” he stated.

The Minister urged the Bahrain team to honor the match scheduled for March 2025, asserting that FIFA has confirmed that the game will take place in Indonesia. “If they refuse to play, it would mean they forfeit,” Dito added.

The Bahrain Football Association had previously requested to move the venue of the match due to safety concerns, particularly following a controversial 2-2 draw in a prior encounter with Indonesia that drew significant criticism.

Minister Dito’s comments come amid rising tensions surrounding the match, highlighting the importance of ensuring a secure and competitive environment for international sporting events.

He reiterated that there should be no reasons for Bahrain to decline the opportunity to compete in Indonesia, noting the established security measures in place for international teams.

As the match approaches, both teams and fans eagerly anticipate the showdown, with hopes that it will strengthen sporting ties between the two nations.

This commitment to security reflects Indonesia’s dedication to hosting international events and fostering positive relationships through sports. (Uki Ruknuddin)