Ticket Price Controversy: STY Hopes Persija and The Jakmania Find the Best Solution

Jakarta - Persija Jakarta head coach Shin Tae-yong has issued a statement regarding plans by supporter group The Jakmania to boycott Macan Kemayoran's friendly match against Brisbane Roar at Jakarta International Stadium (JIS), North Jakarta, on Saturday 29 August at 20:00 WIB.

The boycott decision was announced after Persija management and the supporter group failed to reach a common ground over the match ticket pricing dispute.

Shin confirmed he had only just learned about the ongoing controversy, but acknowledged the critical role The Jakmania holds for Persija's operations.

"This is the first time I have heard about this situation, so I do not have complete details. The Jakmania fans always turn up to support us because they want this Jakarta club to grow properly," Shin stated during the pre-match press conference at JIS on Friday.

Shin called for the dispute between Persija management and The Jakmania to be resolved immediately, noting that the bond between a club and its supporters is an inseparable foundation of football.

Shin Tae-yong Emphasises Supporter Significance

For Shin, supporters are far more than just matchday spectators. Backing from the stands is one of the core pillars that allows a football club to sustain its existence long-term.

"I have always believed that any football club only survives indefinitely because of its supporters. That is why it is critical that we maintain a good, constructive relationship with our fans," the South Korean head coach added.

Due to this, Shin stated he does not want the ticket pricing conflict to drag on, and urged both parties to agree on a fair resolution.

Rizky Ridho Hopes For Amicable Resolution

Persija captain Rizky Ridho echoed these hopes. He declined to comment deeply on the dispute, stating that the conflict between management and supporters falls outside his official scope.

Even so, Ridho clearly stated that Persija cannot operate without support from The Jakmania.

"I truly hope the entire situation between the supporters and the club can be resolved properly. At the end of the day, we cannot compete without our fans. I hope everything can be fixed, and they will return to stand with Persija for the upcoming seasons, because we genuinely rely on them," Ridho said.

These statements were made ahead of the Brisbane Roar fixture, which was scheduled as Persija's final pre-season test and squad showcase ahead of the 2026/2027 campaign.

Persija Reallocates The Jakmania Ticket Quota To General Public Sale

Amid the ongoing controversy, Persija has adjusted the match ticketing scheme.

Via the club's official Instagram account, it was announced that ticket quota previously reserved exclusively for The Jakmania official membership (KTA) holders and central supporter board representatives has now been transferred to general online public sale.

This action was taken following The Jakmania's formal confirmation of their match boycott.

Tickets available for general purchase include Category 2 Tier 1 priced at IDR 150,000 and Category 2 Tier 2 priced at IDR 130,000.

Persija stated that this quota reallocation is intended to provide wider access for the general public and other Macan Kemayoran supporters who still wish to attend the match live at JIS.