PSSI and I-League Official Advisories Ahead of the Classic Persija versus Persib Duel Match at the GBK Stadium

indonesiatravelsport.com - The rivalry between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung will be contested once again for this BRI Super League season. PSSI and the I-League have issued reminders to both supporter groups to uphold peace and ensure this classic Jakarta fixture proceeds safely.

Persija will host Persib for the second matchweek of the 2026/2027 Super League at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (GBK), Jakarta on Saturday 12 September at 15.30 WIB. This match has drawn major public attention, as this marks the first time Persija host Persib in the capital city after a long absence of this home fixture.

PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi called on supporters from both clubs to understand the situation. He confirmed that PSSI alongside Persib management had reached an agreement that Persib supporters will remain barred from attending the match in person at GBK.

"I spoke with Kang Haji Umuh (Muchtar) from Persib earlier this morning. We reached this agreement over concerns that the fixture could be exploited by irresponsible parties. That is why we have decided to prohibit Persib Bandung supporters from travelling to the GBK Stadium for this match," Yunus Nusi stated during a Jakarta press conference on Thursday.

According to Yunus, this match is under heightened oversight as it will be monitored by FIFA and international football authorities. For this reason, he appealed against all anarchic actions that could cause permanent damage to the reputation of Indonesian football.

PSSI is determined this second matchweek of the competition will not be disrupted by security issues. Yunus emphasised that the positive momentum at the start of the season must be protected to allow the full competition to run without obstacles.

"This concern from PSSI, and the request for Persib supporters not to attend GBK, is a critical measure. We have only just commenced the second round of fixtures for the 2026/2027 I-League season," Yunus explained.

This fixture holds unique historic value for Persija. For the first time since 2019, the Macan Kemayoran will finally return to hosting Persib on their home ground in Jakarta.

For multiple prior seasons, this rivalry match had always been held at neutral venues outside Jakarta. Security risks had been the primary reason this fixture was banned from being hosted in the capital.

I-League Issues Official Appeal To Persija And The Jakmania

Parallel appeals were also released by the I-League. I-League Chief Executive Officer Ferry Paulus called on Persija supporters to act as respectful hosts for the duration of the match.

"First and foremost, as the league operator, we strongly urge Persija, the Jakmania, and all Persija fans to protect their home ground by conducting themselves as good, gracious hosts," Ferry stated during the same Jakarta press conference on Thursday.

Ferry also requested all supporters avoid all forms of provocation, including on social media platforms. He stressed that the on-pitch rivalry should not spill over into verbal confrontation outside of the match.

"Do not bait, provoke, or escalate tensions unnecessarily, especially across social media. There is no place for this kind of hostile psychological warfare," he added.

He reminded Persija supporters to express their support respectfully. All ethnic, religious, racial discriminatory language and all provocative acts are strictly forbidden as part of this fixture.

The Jakmania's pre-announced policy requiring all attending fans to wear official Persija jerseys received official appreciation from the I-League. The league confirmed that supporters can proudly display their team identity without resorting to actions that threaten public safety.

Ferry confirmed security authorities have implemented extensive pre-match preparations to anticipate all possible scenarios. Additional security deployments have also been activated along all major access routes leading to the stadium.

"Security forces have placed this fixture under special observation and strengthened patrols along all approach routes. Additional preventive operations will also be conducted ahead of match day," Ferry stated.

The I-League has formally invited PSSI to jointly oversee this high-risk fixture. The presence of the national football federation forms part of the wider preventive framework to ensure the match proceeds as planned.