East Kalimantan Prepares Three FIFA-Standard Stadiums for Potential ASEAN U17 Championship

Samarinda (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan provincial government is preparing three FIFA-standard stadiums to host the regional football tournament, the ASEAN U17 Championship 2026, in April, after the region was named as a potential host.

“PSSI has requested that we be the host, and we have prepared the Segiri, Palaran, and Batakan stadiums, which have already been assessed for their suitability,” said the Head of Sports Performance Improvement at the East Kalimantan Youth and Sports Office, Rasman Rading, in Samarinda on Wednesday.

Rasman added that this infrastructure preparation demonstrates the region’s serious commitment to advancing national football.

He stated that the East Kalimantan provincial government is determined to meet the facility standards as stipulated by the regulations of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The request from PSSI regarding the use of the stadiums and supporting training grounds is in principle strongly supported by the local government.

“However, the technical details regarding the agreement on these facilities are still being further discussed between the East Kalimantan provincial government and the PSSI,” said Rasman.

The local organising committee is also coordinating intensively with the local PSSI Provincial Association to ensure the preparation of the East Kalimantan team and the detailed regulations of the tournament.

This thorough preparation, which is being expedited, also requires strong synergy with the city governments in the Samarinda and Balikpapan areas.

“The involvement of relevant departments, starting from the Transportation Department, the Health Department, to the police, is crucial to ensure the smooth transportation and security of foreign participants,” said Rasman.

The presence of football delegates from neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia will create a unique attraction for sports enthusiasts.

The local government is optimistic that this ASEAN-level event will not only be a showcase of excellent sports facilities but will also help boost the local economy.

“The international tournament is expected to be a strategic step to develop the tourism sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs),” said Rasman.

Indonesia is confirmed to host the ASEAN U17 Championship 2026, but PSSI has not yet confirmed the location for the competition matches.

The Garuda team has twice been the best in the tournament, in 2018 and 2022.