Why Persib cannot play at Jalak Harupat? PSSI speaks out before the fiery derby against Persija

The derby between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung is always the highlight of Liga 1 Indonesia. But ahead of the next round clash, a controversial decision has stirred up public opinion: Persib is not allowed to use their home ground Jalak Harupat (SJH) and must play at the neutral Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) – which Persija considers their home. Many fans and experts questioned the unfairness, since Persija is allowed to play at SUGBK for the same league. To address these doubts, PSSI has officially explained the reasons. In a recent statement, PSSI Vice Chairman Yunus Nusi affirmed that the decision was purely based on technical requirements and a pre-agreed grass maintenance schedule. Specifically, SJH is undergoing renovation to prepare for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 – a major international tournament hosted by Indonesia. The maintenance is carried out by a professional vendor according to a fixed schedule, and PSSI cannot change it due to signed contracts. Yunus Nusi emphasized: "We understand the disappointment of Persib and fans, but this is a mandatory requirement to ensure the turf meets the highest standards for the continental tournament". This leads to the difference: SUGBK is not under maintenance so it can still be used, while SJH must be closed and 'sterile' until the FIFA ASEAN Cup ends. PSSI also requested that parties not directly compare the two stadiums because each has its own technical conditions and maintenance schedules. In fact, SUGBK is a national stadium with more modern infrastructure, so it doesn't face the same issue. However, this situation creates a clear disadvantage for Persib. They lose their home advantage – a crucial factor in tense derbies. Coach Bojan Hodak (not mentioned in the original article but logically inferred) must be unhappy with the last-minute change. Nevertheless, the team has shown a strong spirit through midfielder Fitrah Maulana's statement: "We don't want Persib's dignity to be trampled. Wherever we play, we fight our hearts out for the jersey". This statement shows determination, but also reflects the psychological pressure the team faces. On Persija's side, they are in good form and highly rated by coach Shin Tae-yong. In an interview, the Korean tactician commented: "Persija is a strong team with many quality players and a disciplined playing style". This adds to the drama of the match. Meanwhile, Persib just had an important victory over PSM Makassar thanks to a goal by Balsa Sekulic, giving them a positive momentum. However, the uncertainty about the venue may affect their final tactical preparations. This issue also opens a broader discussion about stadium management and the priority between domestic leagues and international events. PSSI chose to protect contracts and the reputation of the FIFA ASEAN Cup over the convenience of a league match. Although the decision is reasonably grounded, it reveals a lack of flexibility in coordination among stakeholders. This is a lesson for Southeast Asian leagues as more international sports events are held, requiring better coordination among federations, clubs, and service providers. Looking ahead, without clear agreements, similar situations may recur when other stadiums also need maintenance for international tournaments. PSSI should consider including force majeure or league priority clauses in future vendor contracts. This will help minimize conflicts of interest and ensure fairness for all teams. The Persija vs Persib derby promises to be exciting, not only for its professional quality but also for the off-field elements. Fans await a deserving performance from both sides. Whatever the outcome, this incident has exposed the challenges in league organization and the need for a more flexible management framework. PSSI has tried to explain, but convincing the public remains a difficult puzzle. Another notable point is the financial impact. Persib losing their home ground means losing revenue from tickets and related services. However, the article does not mention this, so it's only inference. But in the context of Indonesian clubs developing commercially, this could be a significant loss. Finally, from a player perspective, stars like Fitrah Maulana, Balsa Sekulic and their teammates must overcome distractions to focus on the game. A victory at SUGBK would be even more meaningful, affirming Persib's collective spirit. Meanwhile, Persija will maximize home advantage to earn three precious points. This match is not just a battle for points but also a battle for pride. This article is based on information from PSSI, Indonesian media, and contextual analysis. I hope readers will gain a comprehensive view of this special situation and understand the complexities of professional sports management.