Persija Wins at Borneo FC's Home Ground, STY: Our Performance Is Only at 50 Percent

Persija Jakarta opened their 2026/27 BRI Super League campaign with a crucial victory. Playing away at Borneo FC's home ground Segiri Stadium, Samarinda on Saturday, 5 September 2026, the Macan Kemayoran secured all three points with a narrow 1-0 win.

Despite taking maximum points from this match, Persija Jakarta head coach Shin Tae-yong was not satisfied with his squad's performance. The South Korean manager assessed that Persija is still far from reaching their peak form.

According to STY, Persija only displayed around half of their actual capabilities on the pitch. However, clinical efficiency when presented with opportunities became the deciding factor in this tightly contested match.

“To be honest, today we only showed about 50 percent of our real performance. Even so, Alex and the rest of the squad stayed focused right at the end of the first half, which allowed us to score and take the win," stated STY, as quoted from Persija's official website on Sunday.

Alexander Jemerejeff's Goal Proves The Difference

Persija found their vital breakthrough right before halftime. Alexander Jemerejeff broke the deadlock with a headed finish in the 45+1st minute.

The Swedish striker met Kerim Memija's cross, directing the ball into Borneo FC's goal. This strike would end up being the only goal scored throughout the entire match.

STY acknowledged that Borneo FC applied greater pressure throughout the game, especially while playing in front of their home supporters. Despite this, Persija managed to demonstrate their clinical edge when the chance arrived.

"The reason we came away with the win is that our finishing from the cross combination between Alex and Memo was sharper than our opponents'," explained STY.

This victory marks a special milestone for Persija. This result finally ends an eight-year wait for Macan Kemayoran to secure an away win against Borneo FC in Samarinda.

Persija's last away victory at Borneo FC's ground dates back to September 2018. Notably, that match also ended with an identical 1-0 scoreline.

On that occasion, Novri Setiawan scored the winning goal for Persija late in the match. That season would go on to end successfully as Persija lifted the league trophy that year.

STY Praises Persija's Mental Resilience

For STY, ending this long winless drought in Kalimantan is an achievement that deserves recognition. He judged that the players' fighting spirit throughout the match demonstrated solid mental fortitude.

“I also want to congratulate all the players. As far as I know, Persija had not won a match in Kalimantan for eight whole years, but we finally managed to do it," said STY.

Pressure from Borneo FC forced Persija to work relentlessly to protect their lead. Nevertheless, the squad maintained their concentration perfectly until the final whistle.

"It was extremely difficult for the players, but they never lost focus right until the end. I really want to commend all their hard work," he added.

The three points collected from Samarinda puts Persija immediately into 4th position in the temporary 2026/27 BRI Super League standings.

However, a far greater challenge awaits next. Persija will face their eternal rivals Persib Bandung for their second fixture of the season.

This fixture, widely known as the Indonesia Derby, is scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta on Saturday 12 September 2026, kicking off at 15.30 WIB.

This Persija vs Persib match will serve as the next major test for STY's squad. Having secured an away win in Samarinda with a performance their manager assessed only reached 50% of their potential, it will be fascinating to see how much the Macan Kemayoran can raise their game level when facing their biggest rivals.