Persija Vs Persib Cancels Playing At SUGBK, Manager: It's Not Good To Be Forced

President Director of the Bung Karno Sports Center Management Center (PPK GBK) Rakhmadi Afif Kusumo. (Photo via Antara/Gilang Galiartha)

JAKARTA - The match between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung, which was actually held on March 4, had to be postponed following the failure to use the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).

The SUGBK management then explained the reason. Persija is claimed to be late in applying for permits. In addition, security is also an excuse.

This is as stated by Rakhmadi Afif Kusumo as the President Director of the Bung Karno Sports Center Management Center (PPK GBK).

Of these two factors, the aspect of security considerations is the main reason.

"Specific for Persija and Persib activities, they entered (proposal for use of the place) rather recently and we have closed other activities," said Rakhmadi as quoted by Antara on Friday, March 3.

According to Rakhmadi, the late submission, which has the potential for PPK GBK, must force the holding of Persija vs Persib matches with a non-primal safety aspect.

Moreover, the management had already approved the use of the stadium for a South Korean music group concert on March 11-12 2023.

"Therefore, we together with the police, both from the Regional Police, are also in the assessment that it is not good for us to force it. So we have refused for Persija-Persib activities," he said.

Meanwhile, regarding SUGBK which can actually be used for Blackpink concerts, Rakhmadi explained that his party had been implementing an ordering system or e-booking. Where the priority is the event organizers who already have a mature and definite schedule.

In fact, the match week 28 of Liga 1 2022/2023 took place on Saturday, March 4. However, due to venue constraints, then PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB) as the competition operator issued a statement that the match had to be postponed.

Persija itself has proposed Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi as another cage option. But that location also cannot be used because local security authorities did not give permission.