From Sidoarjo, Tenggarong, Manado Now Malang: Persipura Extends The Status Of The Pilgrim Team

Persipura Jayapura players train in Batu, East Java (Instagram @ persipurapapua1963)

JAKARTA - Persipura Jayapura is ready to navigate the Indonesian League 1 which will start on October 1. Coach Jacksen F. Tiago revealed that the frequent status of the team nicknamed the Black Pearl has been a traveler club for the past few seasons, which is their valuable asset.

"For me, there is no problem, because from last year we live outside our own headquarters (Papua). Since I joined Persipura, we have played in Sidoarjo, Tenggarong and Manado," said Jacksen in an official statement quoted from Antara, Monday, September 28.

The continuation of Indonesia's League 1 itself is centered on the island of Java with the main consideration in minimizing the transmission of COVID-19. Clubs are not allowed to use the air route and are required to use buses when on away tours.

Boas Solossa and his friends will share a cage with Arema FC at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, after previously being rejected when he proposed a headquarters at Gajayana Stadium, Malang City.

He also thanked the Malang Regional Government for allowing Persipura to share its headquarters with Arema FC. Jacksen also hopes that the Kanjuruan Stadium will benefit the Mutiara Hitam team.

"I think we are full enough to be a team of travelers and we are grateful to Malang for receiving us here. I hope we have achievements like in Sidoarjo," he said.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Persipura Rocky Bebena said the reason for wanting to be headquartered in Malang was a political step. Because some time ago there was racism against Papuan students and the stigma of disharmony between the people of Papua and East Java.

By being headquartered in Malang, Persipura wants to emphasize that they do not want this problem to continue to hurt, instead it strengthens national unity.

"We want to do something ... Because we are certain that the people of Malang, both the government and other elements, do not think we are part of the opponent but are a unitary Republic of Indonesia," he said.