2015 President's Cup Memory: Ridwan Kamil Celebrates Persib Bandung's Victory At GBK

President Joko Widodo handed over the trophy to Persib Bandung Captain Atep after the final match of the President's Cup at Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday (18/10/2015). (ANTARA PHOTO/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)

JAKARTA - Persib Bandung tried to look at the hopes of victory in the 2015 President's Cup competition. The club is the pride of the Bandung residents trying to field its best squad. They are not afraid to face all kinds of other Liga 1 football giants.

Hard work was my job. Maung Bandung came out as the champion to beat Sriwijaya FC at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Main Stadium. The victory was so special because it took place in the city of Persib's arch-enemy, Persija Jakarta. Ridwan Kamil (RK) joined the excitement, not playing.

The sanctions from FIFA had made Indonesian football's breath stagnate. The government's intervention towards the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) is the estuary. This condition makes all kinds of competitions not allowed to be carried out.

The private sector also had the idea to fill the void in the competition. They tried to hold a pre-season tournament. The 2015 President's Cup, his name. The tournament was supported by the Indonesian government. The enthusiasm of the Indonesian people rose.

Longing for the start of the tournament to emerge from here and there. The preparations are summarized. The participants reached 16 clubs, 13 clubs from league 1. The remaining three clubs from League 2. Persib Bandung also emerged as one of the leading clubs.

Persib Bandung coach, Djadjang Nurdjaman tried to prepare his best ingredients. Persib famous players were also brought along such as Makan Konate, Firman Utina, Ilija Spasojevic, and Zulham Zamrun. Persib did not want to relax, even though the competition did not get FIFA's blessing.

Persib then joined in Group A. The opponents who will face Persib consisted of Persebaya Surabaya, Persiba Balikpapan, and Martapura FC. Maung Bandung had no trouble at all facing his opponents.

Maung Bandung is able to be dominant. They got the perfect points with three wins. Persib, who won Group A, will then challenge Pusamania Borneo in the quarter-finals. This round is subject to a home-strip system. Then, the winner is determined by aggregate.

The first meeting made Persib have to bite their fingers. They lost 3-2. Persib Bandung's second meeting tried to change things to 2-1. As a result, Persib qualified for the semifinals according to away goal regulations with aggregate 4-4.

Dibak then Mitra Kukar challenged Persib. Again, Persib's first meeting lost 1-0. The second half of Maung Bandung's engine was hot and won 3-1. Persib then met Sriwijaya at the GBK Main Stadium on October 19, 2015.

Persib was finally able to beat Sriwijaya 0-2. Goals were created from Jufrianto's figure in the 7th minute and Makan Konate 45+1 minute. Persib became the winner of the 2015 President's Cup.

"Tonight's title is very proud because of the champion at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium. Used to be an assistant coach, now as a coach. Alhmdulillah, it should be grateful," said Djadjang Nurdjaman as quoted on the Sindo page, October 19, 2015.

Persib's victory was greeted with great fanfare. Persib supporters could not contain their happiness in winning the 2015 President's Cup. Moreover, the victory was achieved in Persib's eternal rival home, Persija Jakarta.

The victory made Persib get a special champion torfi and Persib was also entitled to a prize of IDR 3 billion. President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who handed over the 2015 Presidential Piiala trophy directly to Persib.

Another interesting momentum is the Mayor of Bandung, Ridwan Kamil who was also present to accompany Jokowi. Previously, Ridwan Kamil had asked permission from the Chairman of Jakmania (Persija supporters), Polda Metro Jaya, and DKI Jakarta leaders to be conducive.

Ridwan Kamil himself admits that his position is not only as a regional head, but also as a true weight. He never once said that statement. He considers himself a true bebotoh who always supports Persib. In fact, he had a headless vow when Persib won several years ago.

He even played when Persib won at GBK. He also posed lifting a trophy with Persib players at GBK. Ridwan then prepared many things to celebrate Persib's victory. He promised a people's party to the procession of winners on the streets of Bandung City.

He also promised a bonus to Persib Bandung players. Ridwan collected the bonus from the results of other derivatives that care about Persib. Ridwan also considered the momentum so special. Moreover, Persib can win in the capital city which incidentally houses Persija Jakarta.

"It turns out that many contacted me that I was willing to donate if Persib won and God willing, if the money was collected it could reach 500 million. Hopefully the bonus can be more. Indeed, there are a lot of people who love Persib, some are militants, some are secretly."

"And I salute them so happy if they give bonuses if Persib wins. Thank God someone wants to donate, if the APBD is clearly not allowed. God willing, the bonus can be greater," said the man who is often called Kang Emil, quoted on the bola.com page, a few days before the final, October 14, 2015.