JAKARTA – The state of the pitch at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) has once again become a flashpoint for controversy, drawing sharp criticism from high-profile football figures. Following the recent Super League clash between Persija Jakarta and Persik Kediri, the quality of the playing surface has been labeled "unacceptable," prompting an immediate response from the Jakarta Provincial Government. The debate highlights a recurring issue in Indonesian football: the struggle to balance the multi-purpose utility of modern stadiums with the rigorous maintenance required for elite-level sporting competition. The Controversy: A Pitch Below Professional Standards The discontent reached a fever pitch on Monday, October 26, 2026, following Persija Jakarta’s 2-1 victory over Persik Kediri. Despite the favorable result for the home side, the post-match discourse was dominated not by tactical analysis or individual brilliance, but by the dismal condition of the turf. The Perspective of the Professionals Persija Head Coach Shin Tae-yong, a figure synonymous with raising the standards of Indonesian football, did not mince his words during the post-match press conference. He expressed deep frustration, emphasizing that the current state of the pitch at JIS significantly hindered the technical capabilities of both teams. "The condition of the pitch is extremely poor," Shin stated. "Honestly, no team should be forced to play professional football under conditions like these." Shin argued that the pitch quality is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of the game. According to the coach, when the ball does not roll true and the surface is uneven, the fluidity of play—especially for teams that rely on short, quick passes—is severely compromised. He urged stakeholders to treat the maintenance of the pitch with greater urgency, noting that high-quality facilities are the foundation upon which players can showcase their skills and provide entertainment for the fans. A Player’s Perspective: Respect and Professional Integrity Rizky Ridho, the Persija captain, echoed his coach’s sentiments, framing the issue through the lens of professional respect. Ridho admitted to feeling a sense of embarrassment regarding the state of the stadium when hosting visiting teams. "We respect Persik Kediri. They are a team that plays a beautiful, technical style of football, relying on one-two touch passing," Ridho said. "But they simply couldn’t execute their game plan on a surface like this. It feels like we are not showing proper respect to our opponents by forcing them to play on a pitch in this condition." Beyond the ethics of sportsmanship, Ridho touched upon the broader paradox facing Indonesian players: the ambition to be champions versus the reality of their infrastructure. "Every year, we are pressured to be better, to play at a high level, and to win championships. But it is incredibly difficult to achieve those goals when the basic environment—the pitch—is not up to par." Chronology: A Recurring Maintenance Dilemma The struggle at JIS is not a new phenomenon. Since the stadium’s inauguration, it has been hailed as an architectural marvel, designed to be a multi-functional venue for both sports and massive entertainment events. However, the intensity of its usage has historically collided with the delicate nature of high-performance natural grass. Initial Hype: Upon its opening, JIS was marketed as a world-class venue, adhering to FIFA standards. The Multi-Purpose Conflict: Over the past two years, the stadium has been frequently utilized for non-sporting events, including large-scale concerts and religious gatherings. Each event requires the covering of the turf, which often leads to soil compaction and light deprivation, causing the grass to degrade. Recurring Complaints: Throughout the 2025-2026 season, various visiting teams and local managers have complained about "patchy" grass, uneven ground, and drainage issues. The October 26 Climax: The Persija vs. Persik match served as a breaking point, as the degradation became visibly apparent to both television audiences and those in attendance, leading to the public outcry led by Shin Tae-yong. Official Responses: Jakarta Provincial Government Steps In In response to the mounting pressure from coaches, players, and the general public, the Jakarta Provincial Government has moved to address the situation. Chico Hakim, the Special Staff to the Governor of Jakarta for Social Communication, confirmed that the administration is taking these grievances seriously. Evaluating the Management Strategy Speaking on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Chico Hakim stated that the feedback from both Persija and Persik has been formally noted. "We will relay these inputs to the stadium management and engage in deep discussions to evaluate the situation," Chico stated, as reported by Antara. He noted that Governor Pramono Anung has issued a specific directive to Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro), the entity responsible for managing the stadium, to prioritize the optimization of the turf. The mandate is clear: the stadium must be capable of sustaining high-level competition without requiring excessive "recovery time" that limits its availability. "The issue of maintenance and the recovery of the JIS grass, particularly after the venue has been used for various events—ranging from matches to concerts—has become a top priority for the Provincial Government," Chico added. The administration’s stance reflects a commitment to balancing the stadium’s commercial viability as an event space with its primary identity as a home for professional football. The government is currently exploring improved maintenance schedules, potentially involving advanced turf lighting technology or a more aggressive replacement schedule for the grass modules after high-traffic events. Implications: The Future of Indonesian Football Infrastructure The crisis at JIS raises significant questions about the long-term sustainability of multi-purpose stadiums in Indonesia. Economic vs. Sporting Utility The financial benefits of using a massive stadium like JIS for international concerts are undeniable. However, the long-term cost—both in terms of turf replacement and the degradation of the product on the pitch—is becoming a fiscal and reputational burden. If the pitch remains in poor condition, the quality of the Super League suffers, which in turn diminishes the commercial value of the broadcast rights and spectator interest. The "Championship Standard" Paradox As noted by Rizky Ridho, there is a disconnect between the ambitions of the clubs and the reality of the facilities. For Indonesia to consistently compete at an international level, the domestic league must serve as a rigorous training ground. If players are accustomed to sub-standard pitches, their ability to adapt to the fast, technical surface of international football is hindered. A Call for Technological and Managerial Reform The resolution of this issue likely requires more than just "more water and fertilizer." Experts suggest that for a venue like JIS to function effectively, the management must: Implement Integrated Turf Management: Utilize automated irrigation, artificial light systems, and advanced aeration protocols. Restrict Usage Patterns: Define a maximum "use limit" for the turf before mandatory rest periods, even if it means rescheduling non-sporting events. Transparency: Provide regular, independent audits of the pitch condition to ensure accountability from the management. Conclusion The situation at the Jakarta International Stadium is a mirror of the broader challenges facing Indonesian sports development. While the infrastructure itself is state-of-the-art, the management and operational philosophies are currently struggling to keep pace with the demands of professional football. The call from Shin Tae-yong and the players is not merely a complaint; it is a plea for an environment where the game can be played as it was intended. As the Jakarta Provincial Government and Jakpro prepare to initiate their review, the eyes of the footballing community remain fixed on the pitch. Whether this results in a temporary cosmetic fix or a fundamental shift in how the stadium is managed will determine the future of football at one of the nation’s most iconic venues. For now, the message from the pitch is clear: professional football requires a professional surface, and the time for excuses has long since passed. Post navigation Shadow of Fear: Unraveling the Tragic Murder of Dini Hardiyanti and Her Child in Madiun
