Why Persib Bandung cannot use Jalak Harupat while Persija still plays at SUGBK?

Just days before the fiery derby between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung in Liga 1, fans are buzzing not about tactics but about a seemingly unusual decision by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI): Persib is not allowed to use their home ground Jalak Harupat (SJH), while Persija can still play at the national stadium Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK).

This has led many Persib supporters to question fairness. However, according to PSSI’s explanation, the decision is purely based on a fixed grass maintenance schedule for the preparation of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 – a major international tournament that Indonesia will host.

Background: Fixed maintenance schedule

PSSI Vice Chairman Yunus Nusi explained: “We cannot compare these two stadiums. Each has its own schedule determined by the contractor, and we have no authority to change it.” According to him, Jalak Harupat is undergoing field repair and new turf installation to meet FIFA ASEAN Cup standards. The work was planned in advance based on a contract between PSSI and the turf supplier. The contractor’s schedule is fixed and cannot be adjusted due to technical and contractual obligations.

Meanwhile, SUGBK had already completed its maintenance phase, so it is eligible to host the match. The difference in maintenance timing allowed one stadium to operate while the other had to close. PSSI insists it only relied on technical assessments of each field, with no bias involved.

Impact on the derby

The Persija vs Persib match is always the centerpiece of Liga 1, not only for quality but for historical rivalry. Losing home advantage is certainly a disadvantage for Persib. However, Persib player Fitrah Maulana stated: “We do not want our dignity to be trampled. No matter where we play, we will give our best.”

Head coach Shin Tae-yong (who previously led the national team) also commented on Persija’s strength, indicating a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, Persib just secured an important win over PSM Makassar thanks to a goal by Balsa Sekulic, building momentum ahead of the derby.

Public pressure and PSSI’s strategy

This decision sparked heated debate on social media. Many fans believe PSSI favored Persija. However, PSSI’s detailed explanation with five quoted statements from officials indicates a deliberate damage-control effort aimed at calming public opinion and affirming transparency.

From a risk management perspective, PSSI’s decision is rational: breaching the contractor contract could incur heavy penalties or delay FIFA ASEAN Cup preparations – a national-prestige event. Sacrificing Persib’s home match is acceptable compared to the risk of international embarrassment.

Ripple effects on Indonesian football system

This incident reveals a fundamental issue: the conflict between domestic league schedules and international tournament requirements. As FIFA ASEAN Cup approaches, other stadiums may also close for maintenance, affecting clubs. This calls for better coordination among PSSI, clubs, and contractors to avoid sudden disruptions.

Commercially, playing at SUGBK – a larger venue – may boost ticket revenue, but Persib loses home gate receipts. It is unclear whether PSSI has a compensation plan for Persib. According to related reports, Persib’s morale remains high, and they see this as an opportunity to prove their resilience.

Conclusion: Fair or unfair?

From the organizer’s perspective, the decision is fair because it rests on objective technical factors. But from the affected team’s perspective, it is a clear disadvantage. In football, off-pitch factors sometimes decide results. Can Persib overcome adversity and make a statement at SUGBK? The answer will come on the pitch.

One thing is certain: this derby will not lack drama, and the stadium story will be remembered as a lesson in sports management in the era of integration.