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The October disaster at the Kanjuruhan stadium
in Malang, East Java, killed 135 people and prompted widespread
concerns about safety standards. An investigation concluded
excessive and indiscriminate tear gas use was the main cause.
Indonesian soccer has been blighted by match-fixing scandals and
crowd trouble and Erick, who has been state-owned enterprises
minister since 2019, will be tasked with working with world
governing body FIFA to improve safety and ensure smooth hosting
of the Under-20 World Cup in May.
In an Instagram post, he said Indonesia needed to bring "safe,
fun soccer matches."
"We need to ensure our sport is clean and triumphant," said
Erick, who was Inter's majority owner is currently joint
majority shareholder in English third-tier side Oxford United.
After the announcement, local media quoted President Joko Widodo
as saying he hoped the new PSSI chief would "totally reform"
Indonesian soccer.
Soccer analyst Tommy Welly said Erick's selection could prompt
concern about possible conflicts of interests, however, given
his cabinet role.
Indonesia has a track record of run-ins with FIFA over its
governance, which included a year-long suspension in 2015.
FIFA's statutes allow for sanctions against a member federation
if subjected to "third-party influence", even if it was not
responsible.
(Reporting by Stanley Widianto; Additional reporting by Ananda
Teresia; Editing by Martin Petty)
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