Rahmad Darmawan Officially Appointed As Persipura Jayapura Coach

Rahmad Darmawan became Persipura Jayapura coach (doc. Persipura).

Rahmad Darmawan was officially appointed as Persipura Jayapura coach on Monday, October 13, 2025. RD, as he is familiarly called, was appointed to escort the team in the 2025/2026 Championship (League 2) to replace Ricardo Salampessy.

"Persipura officially appointed coach Rahmad Darmawan as the next head coach. Welcome back to coach RD in Tanah Papua," Persipura said in an official statement on Instagram quoted Monday, October 13, 2025.

Rahmad Darmawan's presence marked a new start for a team that was trying to get up and return to winning ways in the second level of the Indonesian competition league.

With the experience of poor RD across the road as a coach of major Indonesian clubs, he is expected to bring the Mutiara Hitam team to promote to the Super League.

Previously, Persipura management also announced that they had agreed to end the collaboration with Ricardo Salampessy as coach. This decision was taken after a discussion based on the best interests of both parties.

The management of Persipura expresses its deep appreciation for the commitments and contributions that Ricardo has made during his team training.

"We thank coach Ricardo Salampessy for his hard work and dedication to Persipura."

"He has given his best to keep the team spirit and to continue to show professionalism even in difficult situations."

"We have great respect for it as an important part of the history of this club," said Persipura Manager, Owen Rahadiyan, in a statement.

Even though he is no longer a coach, Ricardo will remain an important part of the club. He will be plotted to develop young talents in Persipura, maintaining the continuity of the club's achievements in the long term.

"As a true legend of Mutiara Hitam, management has prepared a new role for Ricardo, one of which is to help develop the potential of young talents," wrote Persipura.