Persija vs Persib Moved to Samarinda, Organizing Committee Highlights Significant Loss

The Classic Match between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung in week 32 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 has officially been moved to Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, East Kalimantan. This decision was announced after the police did not issue a crowd permit for the match in Jakarta.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee (Panpel), Ferry Indrasjarief, expressed disappointment with the venue relocation decision for Persija vs Persib. He felt his committee had made various efforts to ensure the match could proceed safely in Jakarta.

"Very disappointed, especially since we had tried to cooperate with Jakmania, tried to show that our supporters' behavior has been good. It can be said that throughout this season we have had no significant incidents that would worry PSSI or the league about this situation," said the man familiarly called Bung Ferry at the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri), South Jakarta.

The match, still scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 3:30 PM WIB, was moved to Samarinda by the I.League operator for security reasons.

According to Bung Ferry, the police conveyed concerns regarding potential security disturbances following the May Day celebrations on May 1st.

"They mentioned earlier that after May Day there is an indication something else might happen, they are likely worried about that possibility," he stated.

Before settling on Segiri Stadium as the venue, Persija considered several alternatives. Bung Ferry mentioned Jepara and Surabaya were the initial options offered by the league.

Surabaya was even the primary choice initially due to easier transportation access via Juanda International Airport. Ferry stated he had communicated with various parties, from the Persebaya Surabaya Organizing Committee to Bonek Mania, who were ready to help ensure the match ran smoothly.

However, that plan was canceled after a decision emerged that matches on Java Island must be held without spectators. Persija then tried to find another solution, and the Bali option emerged.

Unfortunately, Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium was unavailable because Bali United would host Borneo FC the day after the Persija vs Persib match. That situation ultimately led Persija to turn its attention to Samarinda.

"If we used the 10th (of May), they couldn't, there was OT (official training). So, I asked the Bali side, 'Who are you playing against?' Playing against Borneo. Oh, so Borneo isn't using the stadium then? That's the consideration, so I tried to get permission to contact Borneo," he explained.

This venue change is considered a significant loss for Persija, both financially and emotionally. Bung Ferry highlighted the disappointment of supporters who once again failed to watch a home match against their eternal rival in Jakarta.

The fact that Persija last hosted Persib in Jakarta in 2019 makes this situation even more painful for Jakmania. Back then, the duel at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw.

"We are very disappointed, but it seems we have to think ahead to ensure the Persija-Persib Match Schedule avoids critical months like this," he said.

Amid the venue controversy, this match remains a crucial fixture in the BRI Super League title race. Persija is currently in third place in the provisional Standings with 65 points, trailing Persib at the top by seven points.

Macan Kemayoran (The Kemayoran Tigers) still maintain championship hopes, but they must defeat Persib and hope other results go their way in the three remaining matches this season.