Behind Erick Thohir's Lobby to Release Indonesia from FIFA Sanctions

Indonesia will not receive sanctions from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), football's world governing body, for the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, on Oct 1, that killed 131 people.

"Based on the FIFA president's letter, thank God, Indonesian football is not sanctioned by FIFA," President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said in a tweet and a video posted on the presidential office's YouTube channel late on Friday night.

In the letter, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, despite the severity of the event and the fact that it could warrant a suspension by FIFA, a collaborative effort on several immediate actions is proposed to be undertaken under joint oversight and involvement of FIFA, Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the Indonesian government, and the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

The joint oversight involving the government, FIFA, and the AFC will require Indonesia to:

- improve safety standards at all football stadiums across the country,
- formulate security procedures and protocols for the police based on international standards,
- take feedback from Indonesian football clubs and fans,
- regulate season calendar under risk-based considerations,
- involve experts from various fields for advice.