Indonesia takes cues from advanced World Cup technology used in Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar provides an opportunity for Indonesia to better prepare for its hosting of the Under-20 (U-20) tournament next year, particularly in using the latest football technologies and in organising sporting events, Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has said.Speaking to reporters at the embassy, he said Indonesia could learn from the event’s use of state-of-the-art technologies in enhancing people’s experience, crowd control and ticketing, in addition to the semi-automated offside technology during matches. "We should see how the game has changed and it's showcased here in Qatar, the use of technology to determine offside goals, something that's appeared like the Japan goal (against Spain),” the minister said. "When you see it with your eyes from a certain angle it’s definitely out, but because of the use of technology, they're able to call the right outcome."Lauding Qatar for organising the 2022 edition of the tournament splendidly, he said they learned a lot from its preparations, including the FIFA applications – "an astonishing technology that this World Cup has introduced”.This, Uno noted, allows fans in the stadium to watch and able to see the players’ statistics, name tags and other relevant information using the applications. He also lauded the well-maintained level of safety and security at the tournament with several facilities and measures in place to protect football fans while they enjoy roaming around.The minister said he witnessed how fans are enjoying and celebrating after winning every match, usually held at iconic locations such as Souq Waqif.Many people have also been visiting places such as Msheireb Downtown Doha, the Doha Corniche, Souq Al Wakra and various fan zones to experience an array of shows and activities. "I think this is a very good showcase, it’s the first time a World Cup is held in the Middle East and I think it would open up opportunities for a country such as Indonesia to host similar events in the future,” the minister said.The tournament in Qatar, Uno added, provides economic opportunities and huge job creation for the country, and "this is something that we want to do also for the FIFA World Cup U-20 next year”. "I think it's also time for Indonesia not just to promote sand, sea, and sun but also serenities, virtuality, and sustainability, and for a country of 270mn people and 17,000 islands, I think it's going to boost the image of tourism having a presence here in Qatar."First the use of technology; second, how security and the health aspects are being truthfully watched; and also I would say, sustainability, how it could be more focus on green economies and jobs,” he said.About the World Cup in Qatar, Uno said he finds the event "very well organised, well marketed and well promoted”, as he sees excitement on the ground.Apart from a vibrant culture and art scene, and the use of technology, he said he saw the involvement of local businesses, as well as small and medium enterprises."I think this is also a very well-prepared World Cup, probably the first major event that I see live after the pandemic and I would say that this will be an inspiration to the world,” the minister said, adding that the tournament allows Indonesia to promote its tourism and creative economy. "This is something that we’re able to show the world how football is magnificent, it's able to unite people. It's a tense match but after that, everybody becomes family – something that is truly remarkable,” he added.