Ridwan Kamil Umbar Promises To Make JIS Persija Main Headquarters And Improve Access

JAKARTA - Jakarta Governor number 01, Ridwan Kamil again announced his promise to make Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) the homebase or main headquarters of Persija Jakarta.

The man who is familiarly called Kang Emil also promised to make changes to JIS if he was elected governor of Jakarta. Mainly the change in access to the JIS stadium which is prone to severe traffic jams if a big event is held.

"So I will make sure to return JIS to homebase plus I will improve access. Because the problem is really architectural, sir. The stadium was built but access was not prepared. So finally 5-6 hours out of there," said Ridwan Kamil in Jakarta, Thursday, November 7th.

On the same occasion, Ridwan Kamil assessed that JIS must be Persija's home. Not the other way around, Persija even has the status of a guest if they want to host their opponents to compete in Jakarta.

"It's not Persija being used as a customer whose status is like concerts. Yesterday I couldn't play at JIS because the grass was just done by Bruno Mars, right? The music concert is mandatory," he added.

Ridwan Kamil admitted that he had been a Bobotoh for a long time, a loyal supporter of Persib Bandung.

However, Ridwan Kamil emphasized that if elected as Governor of Jakarta, he would turn into The Jakmania, a supporter of Persija.

He likened it to Shin Tae Yong, a South Korean citizen but professionally coaching the Indonesian national team.

"Football and politics are integrated, the culture is extraordinary. If I was simple, I knew I came from the situation of Bobotoh and Jakmania which was like that. But I am a simple person. I am like Shin Tae Yong, when he is destined, I defend the assignment that is my destiny," said Ridwan Kamil.

"When Shin Tae Yong fought South Korea, he was a defender of Indonesia. I'm also the same, if I become governor of Jakarta, I must defend Persija and Jakmania," he said.