Ticket Price Controversy: STY Hopes Persija and The Jakmania Find the Best Solution

Persija Jakarta head coach Shin Tae-yong has spoken out regarding The Jakmania supporters group's planned boycott of Macan Kemayoran's pre-season friendly match against Brisbane Roar at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), North Jakarta, scheduled for Saturday 29 August at 20.00 WIB.

The boycott decision was formalised by The Jakmania after Persija management and the supporters group failed to reach common ground over disputes regarding match ticket pricing.

Shin confirmed he had only just learned about the ongoing controversy. Despite this, he openly acknowledged the critical role The Jakmania holds within Persija's operations and journey.

"This is the first I have heard of this matter, so I do not know the full exact details. The Jakmania fans always come out to stand behind us, because they want this Jakarta club to grow and succeed properly," Shin stated during the pre-match press conference hosted at JIS on Friday.

Shin called for the dispute between Persija management and The Jakmania to be resolved as soon as possible. He noted that the bond between a football club and its supporters is an indivisible, fundamental part of the sport.

Shin Tae-yong Emphasises The Role Of Supporters

For Shin, supporters are far more than just a decorative element of match days. Backing from the stands forms one of the core foundations that allow a football club to sustain itself long term.

"I have always held the belief that a football club can only exist permanently because of its supporters. That is why I hope we can build and maintain a healthy, respectful relationship with our fanbase," the South Korean head coach added.

For this reason, Shin does not want the ticket pricing controversy to escalate into a prolonged issue. He expressed hope that both sides will be able to negotiate a fair, mutually acceptable resolution.

Rizky Ridho Hopes For De-Escalation

Persija club captain Rizky Ridho shared similar hopes. He opted not to comment extensively on the dispute, stating that conflicts between management and supporters fall outside his scope as a player.

Even so, Ridho clearly affirmed that Persija is dependent on support from The Jakmania.

"I truly hope that all tensions between the supporters and the club can be resolved fully. At the end of the day, we cannot compete without our fans. I hope everything can be fixed, and that they will return to stand behind Persija for the upcoming seasons, for next season especially -- we really do need them," Ridho stated.

These statements come ahead of the Brisbane Roar fixture, which was planned as Persija's final pre-season test and official squad reveal ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.

Persija Redirects Reserved The Jakmania Ticket Quota To General Public Sale

Amid the ongoing controversy, Persija has implemented changes to the match ticketing structure.

Via the club's official Instagram account, it was announced that the ticket quota previously allocated exclusively for registered The Jakmania membership card holders and central committee members has been reallocated to general online public sales.

This adjustment was implemented following The Jakmania's official confirmation of their boycott.

Tickets available to the general public are priced at IDR 150,000 for Category 2 Tier 1 seating, and IDR 130,000 for Category 2 Tier 2 seating.

Persija stated that this quota reallocation is intended to provide wider access for members of the public and other Macan Kemayoran supporters who still wish to attend the match in person at JIS.