Persija Must Leave SUGBK, the stadium is being prepared for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

Persija Jakarta has been confirmed unable to use the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta when they host Java United for the third matchweek of the 2026/27 BRI Super League.

This fixture is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 19 September 2026 at 19:00 WIB. Even though SUGBK was originally listed as the official venue for this match, Persija still has not confirmed an alternative stadium that will act as their temporary home ground.

Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) President Erick Thohir explained that SUGBK will be fully closed off for all domestic fixtures following the Persija vs Persib Bandung match on Saturday 12 September. This measure is implemented to give the stadium pitch sufficient recovery time ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

"Thank God, GBK was in ready condition when we inspected it. If I am not mistaken, the stadium will be closed for 10 full days after the Persija-Persib match, so the pitch can recover properly. GBK is in excellent shape right now," Erick stated when interviewed by journalists at the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup broadcast rights announcement event held at SCTV Tower, Jakarta on Monday 14 September 2026.

Following this policy, Persija is once again forced to arrange an alternative stadium for their home match. This is not an unfamiliar situation for the club nicknamed the Kemayoran Tiger, who have previously had to host home fixtures outside Jakarta on multiple occasions.

Several venues have previously acted as Persija's temporary home ground, including Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, Manahan Solo Stadium, Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium in Gianyar Bali, and Segiri Samarinda Stadium.

Persija must finalise their new venue immediately as the match against Java United is fast approaching. Confirming the stadium location is critical for both the club and supporters to properly prepare for this third matchweek fixture.

Separately, SUGBK is currently being prepared as one of the primary host venues for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. This Southeast Asian football tournament is scheduled to run from 24 September until 5 October.

Indonesia will host Division 1 of the tournament. All Division 1 matches will be held across two venues: SUGBK Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency.

The Indonesia National Team is drawn into Group A alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia and Singapore. Every Group A fixture will be played at SUGBK. Meanwhile Group B, consisting of Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines, will play all their matches at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium.

In addition to preparing official match venues, PSSI has also designated a number of training facilities for all participating tournament teams.

For Group A squads, the prepared training facilities include GBK Fields A & B, Madya Stadium, and PTIK Stadium.

Meanwhile Group B teams based in Bandung will use Arcamanik Stadium, Sidolig Stadium, and the ITB Sports Field as their training locations.

The full closure of SUGBK after the Persija-Persib fixture forms part of these tournament preparations. This measure is intended to ensure Indonesia's main national stadium pitch is in optimum condition when the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup commences.

For Persija however, this development means the club must once again navigate home ground uncertainty. The Kemayoran Tigers are now required to confirm their alternative stadium as soon as possible ahead of the fixture against Java United on 19 September.