Rano Initiates JIS Management Collaboration with San Siro Stadium

Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno explored potential cooperation on the management of Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) with San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy.

JIS has great potential to grow

The initiative was conveyed during a meeting with San Siro Stadium General Manager, Fabrizio Caruso, and Business Development representative, Michele Finucci, on Tuesday (5/12).

JIS: A Strategic Pillar for Jakarta’s Global City Branding

The meeting discussed opportunities for knowledge exchange related to international stadium management, event organization, stadium museum development, grass cultivation technology, and strategies for building fan engagement in maintaining stadium facilities.

According to Rano, Jakarta needs to learn from San Siro's experience as one of the world's football icons.

"A modern stadium should not only function as a venue for matches, but also as a sports tourism destination, a creative economy space, an entertainment center, and a source of pride for residents," Rano emphasized.

Rano acknowledged that San Siro is one of the world’s iconic football stadiums, with a century-long history since 1925, and has continued to evolve with a current capacity of 75,000 spectators.

"We came not merely to visit, but to learn how a stadium can thrive as a historical space, business hub, entertainment venue, and source of civic pride. JIS has great potential to grow in that direction," he said.

For that reason, Rano encouraged PT Jakarta Propertindo, as the manager of Jakarta International Stadium, to follow up communication and knowledge transfer efforts with San Siro Stadium.

He hopes the collaboration will cover stadium governance, large-scale event management, optimization of non-match activities, and visitor experience development so that JIS can remain active year-round.

The meeting also coincides with the planned visit of AC Milan to Jakarta on August 8, 2026, for a preseason match against Chelsea FC at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

"This shows that Jakarta has strong appeal as an international football market and a city capable of hosting world-class sporting events," Rano added.

He stressed that AC Milan's planned visit to Jakarta sends an important signal that the world sees Jakarta as a football market, a major stage, and a city with strong enthusiasm for the sport.

Rano hopes the collaboration will become an initial step toward expanding JIS' international network in stadium management, event organization, sports tourism promotion, and visitor experience development.

"Our task is to ensure Jakarta is ready not only as a host city for matches, but also as a city capable of delivering a world-class experience," he asserted.

Rano's initiative received a positive response from San Siro Stadium Business Development representative, Michele Finucci, who said his side is open to sharing experiences with Jakarta.

He explained that San Siro has extensive experience in managing matches, stadium tours, museums, and various fan engagement activities.

"We are pleased to share experiences and discuss with the Jakarta delegation how a stadium can be managed not only as a match venue, but also as a tourism destination and public interaction space," he said.

During the visit, Rano Karno and his delegation also received explanations regarding museum management, stadium tours, club history narratives, and how San Siro maintains emotional ties between the stadium, clubs, and supporters.