TRENGGALEK – Vice President Gibran visit to Trenggalek has prompted temporary sterilization of Menak Sopal Stadium as part of security preparations for his upcoming official working visit.
Authorities will close the stadium on Wednesday (April 29) and Thursday (April 30). The temporary closure supports state protocol for Vice President of Indonesia Gibran Rakabuming Raka during his visit to the regency.
The Trenggalek Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora), which manages the stadium, said the decision follows standard national security procedures for high-level government visits.
Head of Dispora Trenggalek Arief Setiawan said his office did not make the decision alone. Security authorities and related institutions requested the sterilization as part of the official preparation.
“This is only part of the protocol for the vice president’s working visit. The request came as part of the preparation process,” he said on Tuesday (April 28).
He added that Iswahyudi Air Force Base in Madiun also requested the temporary sterilization of the stadium. The request forms part of the standard security arrangement for a state visit.
Officials want the entire stadium area fully secured and cleared. This is expected to help the vice president’s agenda run smoothly over the next two days.
“Yesterday, the air force base requested that the location be sterilized,” he explained.
Dispora admitted it actually wanted to keep the stadium open because many local residents use Menak Sopal Stadium for daily exercise and sports activities.
Officials also understand that the temporary closure may disturb people who regularly jog, train, and spend time exercising there.
“We actually wanted to avoid closing it. We feel sorry for people who exercise there, but the state protocol requires this arrangement,” Arief added.
Dispora stressed that the sterilization will only last for a short time. The stadium will reopen immediately after the vice president’s visit ends.
Residents who usually exercise at Menak Sopal Stadium can use Gajah Putih Sports Hall during the temporary closure.
The local government hopes this short inconvenience will help ensure the success, safety, and smooth execution of the vice president’s official visit to Trenggalek.