PSSI chairman Erick Thohir announced this week that the tournament would be held at the Jakarta International Stadium in Jakarta, Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, West Java, Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, East Java.

“We’re still waiting for FIFA’s official approval for the venues. [...] We decided to focus on cities in Java due to logistical and budgeting reasons and considering that we only have 100 days left until the event,” the state-owned enterprises (SOEs) minister said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

PSSI previously renovated the Jakabaring Stadium in Palembang on the island of Sumatra and I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar, Bali in preparation for the U-20 World Cup. However, FIFA revoked Indonesia’s hosting rights in March following a surge of resistance against the participation of the Israeli national team.

Read also: Political row undermines RI’s second chance as FIFA host

Indonesia got a second chance to host a FIFA youth tournament at the end of June, when the world soccer governing body withdrew Peru’s hosting rights for the U-17 World Cup over the country’s failure to complete the infrastructure requirements for the tournament on time.

A total of 56 matches will be held during the U-17 World Cup, which is slated to run from Nov. 17 to Dec. 5. The opening game would be carried out in Jakarta, while the final and semifinals would be held in Surakarta.

Erick said the PSSI was currently revamping infrastructure at the four appointed stadiums to ensure that they meet FIFA’s standards. According to Erick, during FIFA’s initial inspection of the venues, the soccer body demanded “a total repair” of the grass pitch at all locations.

The interior view of Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, East Java on July 31, 2023. (Antara/Moch. Asim)

Authorities, the PSSI chief said, would work on the repairs with FIFA and consultants from Europe and Australia.

The PSSI is also on the lookout for more training venues for participating teams, especially in Jakarta and Bandung, which will host two groups of contestants, respectively.

A total of 24 countries have qualified to participate in the U-17 World Cup, including South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Senegal. The contestants will compete in six separate groups.

Erick said the PSSI was also in the process of asking the mayors of the four host cities to sign “a host city agreement”, as requested by FIFA.

“We are trying our best to hit all of FIFA’s requirements before the final inspection on Aug. 26,” he said.

Aside from revamping the soccer pitch, the association is working with the Public Works and Housing Ministry to build better access to the Jakarta International Stadium, which will be used for the opening ceremony.

Read also: RI can still host FIFA U-17 World Cup, but hurdles are high

The ministry is planning to add at least five more entryways to the stadium to allow easier access. The stadium currently only has one entrance and is situated in the middle of a residential area in the crowded capital.

The new access points will include a pedestrian bridge, a temporary commuter railway station and a toll gate with off ramps.

The government was initially considering using Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) sports complex, the country’s largest stadium, to host the tournament.

However, the stadium is already booked for a concert by renowned British pop band Coldplay on Nov. 15, which conflicts with the U-17 World Cup.