PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium was officially inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in a series of simultaneous inaugurations of 17 international standard stadiums in various regions in Indonesia.

The inauguration was carried out centrally at the Delta Sidoarjo Stadium, Monday (3/17/2025). Meanwhile, for other points, listening to the President's instructions online.

In his speech, Prabowo emphasized that football is part of a nation's pride and is committed to continuing to support the development of this sport.

"Indonesia must enter the 2026 World Cup! That is our shared homework," he said enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir said that the construction of this stadium is part of an effort to build a better national football ecosystem.

"We must dare to dream of reaching the World Cup, but that dream must be accompanied by hard work. Today, we see extraordinary stadiums with high-quality lighting and grass. Football is a sport from the people, for the people," said Erick.

After the inauguration ceremony, Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan expressed his gratitude for the inauguration. According to him, the construction of GBLA has been long awaited and has been delayed since 2020.

"Alhamdulillah, today the stadium has been inaugurated by the President. Next, we will hold more intensive discussions to optimize the use of this stadium with PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat," said Farhan.

He also admitted that the new face of GBLA Stadium today is much better. The presence of GBLA as an international stadium is expected to trigger the spirit for Persib Bandung to win back to back Liga 1 2024/25.

"It's really cool! Persib wants to be champions. Therefore, we will continue to support them, okay!" he invited.

The inauguration of the stadium which took place in Sidoarjo, East Java was attended by a number of Indonesian football legends, such as Widodo C. Putro, Eggy Maulana, Uston Nawawi, Anang Ma'ruf, Ahmad Bustomi, and Arif Suyono. The Indonesian men's and women's senior national teams were also present at this historic moment.

The construction and inauguration of these 17 stadiums is a concrete step by the government in improving Indonesia's football infrastructure, especially after the Kanjuruhan tragedy in October 2022.

With this FIFA standard stadium, it is hoped that national football will continue to develop and be able to compete on the international stage.

The following is a list of 17 stadiums that were inaugurated simultaneously:

South Sumatra Province
* Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium, Palembang

Banten Province
* Indomilk Arena, Tangerang Regency

West Java Province
* Pakansari Stadium, Bogor
* Wibawa Mukti Stadium, Bekasi Regency
* Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi City
* Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium, Bandung City

Special Region of Yogyakarta Province
* Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman

Central Java Province
* Jatidiri Stadium, Semarang
* Bumi Kartini Stadium, Jepara

East Java Province
* Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency
* Surajaya Stadium, Lamongan
* Delta Stadium, Sidoarjo
* Gelora Ratu Pamelingan Stadium, Pamekasan
* Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium, Gresik

East Kalimantan Province
* Segiri Stadium, Samarinda

South Kalimantan Province
* Demang Lehman Stadium, Banjar Regency

South Sulawesi Province
* BJ Habibie Stadium, Parepare.

(Bandung City Public Relations/rka)