Wimbo Satwiko

Persitara hopes to get the league's approval to play at Lebak Bulus again. (Photo: Afriadi Hikmal, JG)

Indonesian Super League Teams Search for Stadiums

With the new Indonesian Super League season just three weeks away, three clubs are still struggling to secure a home ground that is up to league standards.

Persitara North Jakarta, Pelita Jaya and promoted side PSPS Pekanbaru could lose their place in the Super League unless they find a home stadium approved by league administrator PT Liga Indonesia by Sept. 25.

In addition, Persija Jakarta is still unsure whether it wants to play in Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium again, even though the PTLI signed off on the ground.

Clubs falling short of Super League requirements must fall in line before Idul Fitri or risk losing their license. “We’ll review their preparations on Sept. 25, then we’ll decide whether they are qualified for the Super League or not,” PTLI communications manager Azwan Karim said.

Stadium trouble is nothing new for Persija and Persitara. The capital clubs spent the final three months of the 2008-09 season wandering the country after police in Jakarta refused to issue match permits for security reasons during the elections.

Persitara hopes to use Lebak Bulus Stadium this season, and manager Harry Ruswanto said the ground basically meets league standards.

“The venue needs some improvements as the PTLI told us to provide a press tribune and press conference room,” Harry said on Monday. “I really hope the PTLI will verify Lebak Bulus as we don’t want to be a wandering club anymore. Besides, we don’t have any idea where we will play if the PTLI doesn’t verify the venue.”

Renovating the stadium is the Jakarta government’s responsibility, Harry added, and stadium management plans a partial renovation of the ground from October to December.

Among the improvements on the PTLI’s checklist include renovations to the referees’ room and the lighting system, as well as adding air-conditioners to the players’ changing rooms.

Persitara opted for Lebak Bulus last season after Kamal Muara Stadium and Tugu Stadium fell short of Super League standards. It also passed on using the Gelora Bung Karno main stadium, saying the national stadium was too expensive.

Gelora Bung Karno costs Rp 125 million per match plus a Rp 350 million guarantee, which is refunded to the club if the stadium does not sustain damage. The guarantee more than doubled from last season, when it was Rp 190 million.

Lebak Bulus, in contrast, costs Rp 40 million per match.

Pelita Jaya initially chose Singaperbangsa Stadium in Karawang, West Java, as its home ground after spending last season in Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. However, the PTLI said the stadium needed many improvements, including the pitch and lighting system.

PSPS also saw its home ground of Kaharuddin Nasution Stadium in Rumbai, Riau, rejected.

Persija, meanwhile, is still in stadium limbo despite Gelora Bung Karno stadium management receiving its official request to play in the main stadium.

“We’ve already received a request letter from PT Persija Jaya, but I want to meet Persija officials,” stadium management chief Mahfudin Nigara said. “I want to talk with the Jakarta secretary, Muhayat, as he’s the representative of the Jakarta government, owner of Persija.”

However, Nigara refused to specify why he wanted to speak with Muhayat.

PT Persija Jaya general director Bambang Sucipto said he hoped the problem would be resolved soon.

“Gelora Bung Karno is the most representative stadium for Persija considering our huge fan base,” Bambang said. “We’ll resolve the problem before the deadline.”

Super League play begins on Oct. 11, and Persija is scheduled to play its first home match on Oct. 21 against Persijap Jepara. Football

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