Persib U-18 Delegation Attacked in Batang, PSSI Urges Severe Punishment for Perpetrators

PSSI strongly condemns the alleged violence that befell the Persib U-18 entourage after participating in the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) tournament in Surakarta. The Indonesian Football Federation has requested Police authorities to conduct a full investigation into this case and impose strict penalties in accordance with applicable laws.

PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi expressed concern regarding the incident that occurred at KM 360 Rest Area, Batang, Central Java. 

"PSSI affirms that the safety of every person involved in Football, including both national team and club supporters, must be the absolute priority. In line with FIFA's shared commitment, every person who attends a football event must be able to return home safely," stated Yunus in an official PSSI press release on Monday.

Yunus noted this incident is particularly distressing as the victims were a youth team group. These Persib U-18 players are undergoing development training and competing to grow their abilities, and were not involved in supporter rivalries.

"PSSI is deeply grieved. This act is completely irrational and defies all common sense, as this attack targeted young academy players from the Persib Bandung Elite Pro Academy," he added.

According to Yunus, young players must never become targets of hostility stemming from club rivalries. They attend events solely to play football and compete representing their team, and as such deserve respect from all parties.

Yunus emphasized that violence and vandalism have no place in Sport, which is founded on the principle of Sportsmanship.

"This is completely unreasonable. Those responsible carried out brutal criminal acts," Yunus commented.

PSSI confirmed it will coordinate closely with police to support the investigation. The federation demanded a serious, thorough inquiry so all responsible parties can be identified and prosecuted under existing law.

"PSSI will work with the police to uncover the full facts, locate and arrest the perpetrators, and ensure the maximum possible penalties are applied," he continued.

For PSSI, the safety of players, officials, media personnel, supporters, and every other party involved in football must remain non-negotiable priority. Sporting activities must take place in a safe environment, both during matches and while teams Travel.

Yunus also questioned when football related violence will end, unless all parties develop basic awareness to protect the safety of others. He stated this incident should serve as a reminder that rivalry can never be used as justification for actions that endanger other people.

"We deeply regret this. When will this end if none of us choose to act responsibly? What possible justification is there for this kind of behaviour?" Yunus stated.

Alongside pushing for formal legal proceedings, PSSI also requested I.League and all relevant clubs to take firm internal action. This step is considered critical to enforce accountability across all stakeholders for securing competitions and the entire national football ecosystem.

PSSI further urged police to fully establish the complete timeline of the incident, identify every perpetrator, and process all suspects strictly according to law. It was stressed that response to this attack cannot stop at public condemnation, but must follow through with transparent, proper legal process.

"Once again we formally appeal to the police: arrest these perpetrators, and impose the maximum possible penalties allowed under law," Yunus concluded firmly.