The dream of Depok City residents to have an international-standard football stadium is now one step closer to reality. The presence of West Java Governor at the Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) brought good news: plans for an international stadium will be realized in the campus area.

The Governor confirmed that bureaucratic obstacles related to budget have now been resolved. This is due to UIII’s status as government property.

“Originally, the Minister of Sports thought this was a private university, but it turns out to be public. If it were private, there would need to be deeds of grant and various other requirements. But since this is a public university and state property, the stadium construction is no longer hindered by procedural aspects, meaning it’s already confirmed,” explained the Governor after giving a public lecture at UIII.

Location Change from Tanah Merah to Sukmajaya

The Mayor of Depok confirmed there was a location change from the initial proposal on former Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI) land in Tanah Merah, Cipayung District. Now, the construction focus has shifted to the UIII campus area in Sukmajaya District.

“There were plans for the Tanah Merah land to be used for a Battalion. I communicated with the Governor to support Depok having a stadium, and eventually he communicated with UIII officials and thankfully received a positive response here,” stated the Mayor.

To realize this international-standard stadium, the Depok City Government proposed funding to the Ministry of Public Works. The land area prepared at UIII reaches approximately 20 hectares, but can be adjusted according to technical needs.

Target of Intensive Communication for Fund Disbursement

The Mayor hopes that with the secured land availability and central government budget support, the construction process can begin soon.

“The target is that in the near future after the Minister of Sports returns from Saudi Arabia, we will communicate more intensively to come here. Similarly with the Ministry of Public Works, so we can convey that the land is already available at UIII,” he emphasized, showing the City Government’s quick steps to realize this monumental project.

Depok City

Depok is a city in West Java, Indonesia, originally established in the 17th century as a private agricultural estate by Cornelis Chastelein, a Dutch colonial official. It evolved from a small settlement into a major satellite city of Jakarta, known for its educational institutions and rapid urban development. Today, it functions as a significant residential and university town while retaining historical landmarks from its colonial past.

West Java Governor

The “West Java Governor” is not a place or cultural site, but a political title for the head of the provincial government in West Java, Indonesia. The position was established following Indonesian independence, with the first governor taking office in 1945. The governor’s official office is the Gedung Sate in Bandung, a famous historical building completed in 1920 during the Dutch colonial era.

Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII)

The Indonesian International Islamic University (UIII) is a newly established, state-sponsored public university located in Depok, West Java. Founded in 2022, its creation was driven by the Indonesian government’s vision to establish a world-class, moderate, and inclusive center for Islamic higher education and intellectual discourse. The university aims to serve as a bridge between the Islamic world and the West, promoting interdisciplinary studies in Islamic civilization.

Minister of Sports

The “Minister of Sports” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a government position responsible for overseeing a nation’s sports policies, infrastructure, and athletic development. The role was historically established in many countries during the 20th century to promote physical education, organize national competitions, and improve performance in international events like the Olympics.

Tanah Merah

Tanah Merah is a planning area and residential town located in the eastern part of Singapore. Its name, which means “red earth” or “red soil” in Malay, originates from the reddish lateritic clay that was historically found along the coastline in this area. Historically, the land was used for brick-making factories and kampongs (villages) before being developed into the modern housing estate it is today.

Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI)

“Bank Indonesia Liquidity Assistance (BLBI)” was a massive emergency loan program initiated by Indonesia’s central bank during the 1997-1998 Asian Financial Crisis to provide liquidity support to commercial banks and prevent a systemic collapse. However, the program was marred by widespread corruption and misuse of funds, with an estimated Rp 144.5 trillion never repaid, leading to a major state financial scandal and legal proceedings against several bankers.

Cipayung District

Cipayung District is a suburban district located in East Jakarta, Indonesia. Historically, it was a rural area known for its agricultural land and forests, but it has undergone significant development and urbanization as part of the greater Jakarta metropolitan expansion.

Sukmajaya District

Sukmajaya District is a modern residential and administrative area located in Depok, West Java, Indonesia. It was officially established in 1981 as part of the city’s urban expansion to accommodate the growing population from Jakarta. Today, it is known for its planned neighborhoods and serves as a key suburban hub for commuters.