Don't Mix Politics and Sports: Indonesia Fails to Host the Age-20 World Cup

As an Indonesian citizen, I was saddened when my country was not chosen to host the U-20 World Cup in 2023. As a football fan, I was very enthusiastic about the idea that Indonesia would host one of the biggest sporting events in the world. However, unfortunately, the reason why Indonesia was not chosen as the host was a political factor.

The U-20 World Cup is a major sporting event that requires good infrastructure and adequate services. Even though Indonesia has enough stadiums to accommodate football matches, security issues are often the culprit for the destruction of football.

However, political factors also play an important role in determining whether a country will be selected as the host or not. Unstable politics can make difficult decisions for organizers of major events like the World Cup. Indonesia, unfortunately, has some unresolved political problems at the moment, such as security and order issues in several areas. Problems like that can endanger the safety and comfort of the participating teams and also the spectators who come from all over the world.

Indonesia is one of the countries fighting for Palestinian independence and supporting Palestinian rights to have their own state. Indonesia is also one of the countries that supports the Boycott, Desinvestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. This BDS campaign aims to put pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories and respect the human rights of the Palestinian people.

In a situation like this, I think that the Indonesian government needs to balance political interests with economic interests and international promotion. Indonesia can choose to take a neutral stance towards Israel and Palestine in the U-20 World Cup event, so that Indonesia can become the host of major sporting events. without violating its political principles.

I, who live in the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, certainly uphold national sovereignty. But in this case, I feel that certain groups are just looking for opportunities to carry out their politics without acting neutral.

Can the voices of one or two people poison a nation and take away the rights of others?

It is really sad what is happening in my country, as if this country is only owned by certain groups that regulate the government bureaucracy. I have to say honestly that this is about religion, Indonesia is indeed a Muslim-majority country, this is what causes the tendency of certain groups to become fanatical in defending certain countries.

In the context of globalization and international competition, my country Indonesia can no longer be isolated and close to the outside world. Indonesia needs to build strong diplomatic relations with other countries, including Israel. This is important for advancing the Indonesian economy and strengthening Indonesia's position in the eyes of the world.

It's a shame, my friends who have become national team players have had to bury their dreams of competing in the world cup at the age of 20. It's as if the future of the younger generation is only being boycotted by irresponsible people.

The rights of the younger generation have been destroyed by politics

How can football achievements progress? if the younger generation cannot develop their skills in processing the round skin. Indeed, now the interests of certain groups take precedence.

In conclusion, even though there are several regional officials who disagree with Israel's presence in Indonesia, Indonesia must still consider international economic and promotional interests in determining the decision to host the U-20 World Cup. Indonesia also needs to build strong diplomatic relations with other countries to strengthen Indonesia's position in the eyes of the world.

Don't just carry out your own interests but understand the lives of others. The state does not only belong to state officials but the eyes of the people are universal. One decision can destroy the future of many people. So, understand that.

I'm sorry to write this article, but this is a crisis that is happening in my country. My vote to change the views of local officials.

Thank You.