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'We must make the best of it': Jokowi upbeat on Indonesia cohosting World Cup basketball
Indonesia is open to a possible option of naturalizing players to level up its squad. However, Perbasi said that it would prioritize local players.
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The Philippines, Japan and Indonesia are to stage the first-ever multiple-host FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023. (fiba.basketball/fiba.basketball)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has encouraged the nation to savor every opportunity that comes along with the country being a cohost of the 2023 FIBA World Cup basketball championship.
"Indonesia, along with Japan and the Philippines, has earned the right to cohost the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
"The world has placed its trust in us, and we must make the best of it," Jokowi told a Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, according to a statement.
He went on to say that he instructed his administration to prepare for regulations regarding preparations and in running the quadrennial event.
"We also need to immediately set up an organizing committee to put in place comprehensive preparations for the event, from planning to budgeting and organizing pre-events, including safety, security and health measures," said Jokowi, adding that having proper venues with decent supporting facilities was key to cohosting the championship.
The President said the event would boost tourism.
Read also: Indonesia focuses on building squad for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup
In terms of sporting achievement, Jokowi hopes the Indonesian squad can display its best, up to the level of having the ability to play alongside the world's best teams.
"I'd like for us to see a strong national team," he added.
In response, Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali said the ministry would help the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) in forming the national team
"We are preparing [in terms of deciding] our plan and target [for the cup]," he said.
Indonesia is open to a possible option of naturalizing players to level up its squad.
However, Perbasi said that it would prioritize local players.
"Up until now, we are focusing on local players," said Perbasi chief Danny Kosasih.
Indonesia-Japan-Philippines outclassed other bidders such as Argentina, Uruguay, Russia and Turkey in 2017 to win the 2023 hosting rights. (gis/nkn)
