Problems in Indonesian Soccer

KOMPAS/FABIO COSTA

Persipura Jayapura players train at the Jayapura Mandala Stadium, on Thursday (30/5/2019).

The suspension of Persipura Jayapura’s activities due to financial difficulties is the latest evidence of problems in the management of soccer clubs in the country.

The manager of the Persipura Jayapura has finally "thrown the towel". Financial difficulties due to a lack of funding from sponsors have forced one of the top clubs in the country to temporarily stop its activities. The Jayapura, Papua-based soccer club is no longer paying the salaries of players, coaches and staff.

The five-time league champions from a region known to produce talented soccer athletes, Persipura actually does not have any conflicts with sponsors. However, the financial support from the main sponsor, namely Bank Papua, cannot be disbursed because the country’s top division Liga 1 has been suspended and it is still uncertain when it will be resumed.

The difficulties experienced by Persipura began after 2020 Liga 1 was halted in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic with only three rounds played. The resumption of the competition remains uncertain because the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) as the league managers have not received permission from the police to continue competition.

Persipura deserves special attention, as they are one of only six Indonesian clubs that have met the club licensing regulatory standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The PSSI and PT LIB have failed to convince the public and the government, in this case the security and health authorities, that they will be able to hold safe competition, with a clear and sustainable road map, in this pandemic. Indonesia is also the only Southeast Asian country with a professional soccer league that failed to complete the 2020 season. The 2021 season remains unclear. Not surprisingly, sponsors are reluctant to commit further because the team cannot compete Other clubs in the country’s top division may also experience the difficulties encountered by Persipura.

Persipura deserves special attention, as they are one of only six Indonesian clubs that have met the club licensing regulatory standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Striker PSM Makassar Yakob Sayuri (kiri) merebut bola dari pemain  Shan United FC Hein Phyo Win (kanan) dalam pertandingan Grup H Piala AFC 2020 di Stadion Madya Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, Rabu (26/2/2020). Dalam laga ini PSM Makassar mengalahkan tim asal Myanmar, Shan United FC, dengan skor 3-1. ==Makassar PSM striker Yakob Sayuri (left) seizes the ball from Shan United FC player Hein Phyo Win (right) in the Group H match for the 2020 AFC Cup at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Wednesday (26/2/2020). In this match PSM Makassar defeated the team from Myanmar, Shan United FC, with a score of 3-1.

Armed with that license and the achievement of occupying third place in the 2019 Liga 1competion, Persipura and Bali United were selected as Indonesia\'s representatives to compete in the AFC Cup tournament, which began in April 2021. With the suspension of its activities, the “Mutiara Hitam” team may be unable to take part in the tournament.

The stoppage of competition has definitely harmed many parties, especially players, coaches and officers on the field. The clubs also lost talented players who left to play abroad. On the other hand, with uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, thorough consideration should be given with regard to resuming competition. In the midst of this uncertainty, the PSSI and PT LIB need to sit down with clubs and health and safety authorities to find solutions acceptable to all parties.

(This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi).