2026 Opening Match Serves as Warm-up for Persija and Persib Ahead of El Clasico in Super League
Source: Instagram @liga1match
The BRI Super League 2025/2026 heats up early in the year. Matchweek 16, also the first of 2026, kicks off Saturday, January 3, 2026, featuring nine matches that could reshape the top standings.
Two games stand out among the nine. Persija Jakarta faces Persijap Jepara while Persik Kediri hosts Persib Bandung.
These aren't ordinary duels but serve as warm-ups ahead of the Persib vs Persija showdown on January 11.
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Persija hosts Persijap at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Saturday at 3:30 PM WIB. The Kemayoran Tigers seek three points to maintain their home momentum.
The capital team recorded back-to-back SUGBK wins after defeating PSIM Yogyakarta 2-0 and Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC 3-0.
This positive streak makes the Persijap clash crucial for maintaining their points gap toward the top.
Meanwhile, Persib arrives at Brawijaya Stadium, Kediri with high confidence. The Bandung Maung secured two consecutive clean-sheet home wins.
They defeated Bhayangkara 2-0 and PSM Makassar 1-0. These results propelled Bojan Hodak's squad to the Super League summit with 34 points, overtaking Borneo FC.
Both teams' weekend matches also serve as their final tune-ups before clashing in this season's first classic derby on January 11.
Persib will host that encounter at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.
This classic duel is predicted to draw massive attention as both teams peak in form. Persib leads with 34 points while Persija trails closely in third with 32 points.
Meanwhile, Borneo FC could reclaim top spot if they overcome PSM Makassar Saturday at 3:30 PM WIB.
Simultaneously, the Suramadu Derby between Madura United and Persebaya Surabaya adds competitive fire.
Elsewhere, fourth-placed Malut United hosts PSBS Biak at Gelora Kie Raha Stadium, Ternate, Sunday, January 4 at 1:30 PM WIB.
BRI Super League 2025/2026 Matchweek 16 Schedule
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Borneo FC Samarinda vs PSM Makassar (3:30 PM WIB)
Persija Jakarta vs Persijap Jepara (3:30 PM WIB)
Madura United vs Persebaya Surabaya (7:00 PM WIB)
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Malut United vs PSBS Biak (1:30 PM WIB)
Persis Solo vs Persita Tangerang (3:30 PM WIB)
PSIM Yogyakarta vs Semen Padang FC (3:30 PM WIB)
Bali United vs Arema FC (7:00 PM WIB)
Monday, January 5, 2026
Bhayangkara FC vs Dewa United (3:30 PM WIB)
Persik Kediri vs Persib Bandung (7:00 PM WIB)
