The reason John Herdman watched Persija's match at the time Persib and Borneo were competing against each other for the championship title.

Saturday, 23 May 2026 | 10:31

Author: Arif S

Pelatih timnas Indonesia John Herdman.
Source: Antara/Zaro Ezza Syachniar.

Summary

1. John Herdman chose to attend the Persija versus Semen Padang match instead of the league title-deciding fixture between Persib and Borneo FC.

2. The Indonesia national football team head coach used this match opportunity to directly monitor the development of Rayhan Hannan, who put on an impressive performance for Persija.

3. Herdman stated that the league's final week where the championship title was still undecided demonstrates that Indonesia's domestic football competition is becoming more engaging and competitive.

Persib Bandung will host Persijap Jepara, while Borneo FC face Malut United on the final matchweek of the Super League, Saturday 23 May 2026. Indonesia National Team Head Coach John Herdman chose to watch the Persija vs Semen Padang fixture at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS).

"So I have to remain neutral. I am going to the Persija match," Herdman told reporters at Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday.

This decision was not made without reason. Herdman confirmed he intends to maintain a neutral position amid the heated title race this season. Persib currently stands on the brink of the championship after collecting 78 points, holding a two-point advantage over Borneo FC in second place.

Bojan Hodak's side only requires a single draw to secure their third consecutive league title. Meanwhile, Fabio Lefundes' squad must win against Malut United while also hoping Persib suffer defeat on their home ground.

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"I will stay neutral and let them fight it out. But this is incredible for Indonesia. On the final matchday of the league, everything is still undecided. This shows just how competitive this league is, and how important domestic competition is for our country," said the English coach.

Aside from upholding neutrality, Herdman also has a specific agenda at JIS: to monitor the progress of several Persija players. Rayhan Hannan is one name that has become his primary focus.

The 22-year-old midfielder has started all eight of their most recent matches, scoring three goals for Macan Kemayoran.

Despite his improving form, Hannan has not yet been included in Herdman's call-up list for the national team training camp later this month, held as preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Cup.

"I am going to watch Persija. I want to observe Hannan in person. That is important. He is developing very well, but when the National Team Coach attends the match and he knows he is being watched, will he still be able to perform well? There are also several other Persija players that I will be monitoring," Herdman stated.

In the provisional national team squad, Persija is represented by Fajar Fathurrahman, Shayne Pattynama, Witan Sulaeman, and Eksel Runtukahu.

"For Persib players, I believe I have already seen enough. I also already have a clear assessment of players who were not called up this time but remain under consideration for the July 2026 ASEAN Cup. I will also not attend the Borneo match, to avoid placing extra pressure on them," he concluded.

Quick Answer

Why John Herdman Watched Persija Match Instead Of Persib & Borneo Title Deciders

Indonesia head coach John Herdman attended Persija vs Semen Padang instead of the 2026 Super League title deciders to remain neutral during the close championship race, and to personally scout in-form Persija midfielder Rayhan Hannan ahead of the ASEAN Cup.

Herdman avoided both title decider matches to maintain neutrality in the Persib vs Borneo championship race
22-year-old in-form midfielder Rayhan Hannan was the primary scouting target at the Persija fixture
Herdman confirmed he already held sufficient assessment data for Persib and Borneo squad players
The undecided final matchweek was cited as proof Indonesia's domestic league is growing competitive

Indonesia national football team head coach John Herdman chose to attend the Persija vs Semen Padang fixture at Jakarta International Stadium during the Super League's final matchweek, rather than watching either of the title-deciding matches involving Persib Bandung and Borneo FC. This decision was driven by two core reasons: maintaining official neutrality, and targeted player scouting.

Neutrality during the championship race

With just two points separating league leaders Persib and second-placed Borneo FC on the final matchday, Herdman confirmed he intentionally avoided attending either side's fixture to avoid any perception of bias. Persib only required a single draw to secure a third consecutive title, while Borneo needed a win combined with a Persib defeat to claim the trophy.

Player scouting agenda

Beyond neutrality, the coach travelled to JIS with a clear scouting priority: observing 22-year-old Persija midfielder Rayhan Hannan in person. Hannan has started Persija's last eight consecutive matches, scoring three goals during this run of form.

While Hannan was not included in the upcoming national team training camp squad for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, Herdman confirmed the young player remains under active evaluation. He also noted he already held sufficient assessment data for Persib and Borneo players, and did not wish to place unnecessary additional pressure on those squads by attending their final matches.

Other Persija players already named in the provisional national squad include Fajar Fathurrahman, Shayne Pattynama, Witan Sulaeman and Eksel Runtukahu.

FAQ

Why did John Herdman skip the Persib and Borneo title matches?

Herdman chose to remain officially neutral during the tight league championship race, and confirmed he already had enough player assessment data for both squads.

Who was John Herdman scouting at the Persija match?

He attended primarily to observe 22-year-old Persija midfielder Rayhan Hannan, who has scored 3 goals in his last 8 consecutive starts.

What did Herdman say about Indonesia's domestic football league?

He stated that having the league title still undecided on the final matchweek demonstrates the competition has become significantly more competitive and engaging.

Will Rayhan Hannan be called up to the national team?

Hannan was not selected for the upcoming training camp, but Herdman confirmed he remains under active evaluation for future national team squads.