Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Monday inaugurated the multifunction indoor arena Indonesia Arena at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Sports Complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
“Built with a cost of Rp640 billion (around US$42.15 million), the construction took 18 months; very fast,” he said at the arena here on Monday.
The arena, which can accommodate 16 thousand spectators, will mainly be used for basketball tournaments, he added.
However, it can also be used for badminton, volleyball, futsal matches, and other activities outside of sports, such as music concerts.
He expressed optimism that many concerts will be held in the area.
“However, I’d prefer it to be used for sports, but concerts are also important because I’m happy (about it) too,” he said.
After inaugurating Indonesia Arena, the President enjoyed a music performance by the Cokelat band.
During the inauguration event, Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo, and acting governor of Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono.
The construction of the Indonesia Arena began in December 2021 and is inseparable from Indonesia’s appointment as host of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from August 25 to September 3, 2023.
Earlier, Indonesia Arena was used to hold the International Basketball Invitational (IIBI) event on August 2, 4, and 5, which served as a trial match for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The five-storeyed Indonesia Arena will primarily serve as a main basketball court and training court. The construction of the arena was carried out using building information modeling (BIM), a construction technology that is based on Industry 4.0.
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