PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga expressed concern over the resurgence of racism against players in the Super League, including after the Persebaya vs Persib match on March 2, 2026. He also reminded Persijap and Persis supporters not to forget the Kanjuruhan Tragedy following clashes in Jepara on March 5, 2026. PSSI is considering maintaining the away fan ban next season due to ongoing anarchic behavior.
PSSI Concerned Over Racism and Supporter Clashes
PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga expressed deep concern over the recent surge in racism cases in Indonesian football. The latest incidents involved two Super League players receiving racist abuse on social media: Mikael Alfredo Tata from Persebaya Surabaya and Kakang Rudianto from Persib Bandung, following their heated 2-2 draw on March 2, 2026.
Similar abuse previously targeted Yakob Sayuri and Yance Sayuri from Malut United after a match against Persib in December 2025, and Denilson Junior from Ratchaburi FC following a February 2026 clash with Persib in the AFC Champions League Two round of 16 in Bandung.
Arya emphasized that football upholds fair play and rejects discrimination. "Football is synonymous with fair play. There's a strong anti-racism movement in world football. So I'm surprised why we so easily write or speak in a racist tone," he said.
He described the phenomenon as ironic, noting that Indonesians are often victims of racism abroad. "It's funny if you think about it. We Indonesians are the ones being racist, when usually we're the ones facing racism outside," he stated. Arya hopes supporters will be more judicious on social media and avoid racist comments.
Beyond racism, supporter violence remains a concern. On March 5, 2026, rogue supporters from Persijap Jepara and Persis Solo clashed in Jepara, violating PSSI's away fan ban implemented since the Kanjuruhan Tragedy two years ago.
Arya voiced disappointment over the violation. "It seems the supporters have forgotten Kanjuruhan and previous incidents. They really seem to have forgotten, and that's what saddens us," he said during an interview at Lapangan C Senayan in Jakarta on Friday (March 6, 2026).
PSSI is considering extending the ban into next season due to incidents like throwing objects and dismantling stadium seats. Although one away match proceeded peacefully, it is insufficient. "There was indeed one away game that went well... But that's just one match, and this concerns lives," Arya explained.
He urged supporters to maintain calm. "We always say, if you enter the stadium in a white shirt, you should leave in a white shirt too. Don't do anything that could harm us," he added. PSSI is also monitoring the season's end, which is tense due to tight competition in Liga 1 and Liga 2.
