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With time running out before the new Indonesian Super League season begins, Persija Jakarta supporters are feeling anxious.

Jakmania, the Persija supporters’ club, showed its displeasure with the capital club’s lack of progress by holding a rally on Tuesday in front of the Regional Representative Council offices in Kebon Sirih, Jakarta.

Approximately 100 Jakmania members made their feelings known as the new council members were inaugurated on Tuesday. Chief among their concerns was Persija’s lack of a head coach or squad.

“It’s not a coincidence that we held the rally when the new council members were inaugurated, because we want them to give more attention to Persija,” rally coordinator Richard Ahmad said.

“Persija will use the regional budget, and we want the council to oversee the budget usage. It’s the people’s money. We don’t want to see the club misuse it.”

Persija, which had pledged to become self-sufficient by 2013, will again rely on government funds after a Rp 30 billion investment from Edy Joenardi fell through, with the entrepreneur blaming the club’s failure to resolve its internal disputes.

Last season, Persija received a Rp 21 billion ($2.1 million) grant from the Jakarta city government. City rival Persitara North Jakarta received a Rp 17 billion grant.

Richard said another reason for the rally was to ensure Persija plays in Jakarta this season. Persija and Persitara spent the final 10 weeks of last season playing away from home after Jakarta Police refused to issue the necessary match permits, citing security concerns and the legislative elections.

After rallying for more than an hour with no acknowledgment from the council members, Jakmania dispersed and went home.

Player defections have hit Persija hard in the off-season. National team midfielder Ponaryo Astaman and goalkeeper Hendro Kartiko joined Sriwijaya FC, Robertinho Pugliara moved to Persiba Balikpapan, and Greg Nwokolo fled to Portugal to join newly promoted Olhanense.

Former Persija coach Danurwindo left for promoted Persebaya Surabaya after his contract was not renewed following a seventh-place finish, taking with him reserve defender Supriyono.

To make matters worse, the Kemayoran Tigers have only five players — Aliyudin, Bambang Pamungkas, Ismed Sofyan, Leonard Tupamahu and Leo Saputra — confirmed for next season.

Super League champion Persipura Jayapura, meanwhile, is ready for the new season. It released Ardiles Rubiak, David Da Rocha, Ernest Jeremiah and Heru Nerly, and head coach Jacksen Tiago said he may fill the open roster spots with Papuan talent.

“We may not fill the import quota as we want to see more local talents playing for the club,” Jacksen said. “The Papuan boys have talent, and the more important thing is they have strong bonds with their origins, which import players don't have.”

The Brazilian also confirmed Persipura would not take part in the Inter-Island Cup.

“The event is not well planned as we just heard about it one or two weeks ago,” he said. “The league should plan the event for longer so we can use it as part of our preparation.”