**Persija Jakarta Director Faces Venue Uncertainty Ahead of Big Match Against Persib**
**Jakarta, Indonesia -** The director of Persija Jakarta, Mohamad Prapanca, revealed that the team is still unsure about where they will play their much-anticipated match against Persib Bandung. The upcoming Liga 1 clash between the two rivals is scheduled for February 16th, but the venue remains up in the air.
Uncertainty Looms Over Venue Decision
Prapanca explained the current dilemma, stating, “We are still negotiating with Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium to see if it is possible to host the match against Persib there. However, Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) is not an option as it is already booked for a concert.” The decision hinges on GBK Stadium’s availability and their willingness to accommodate the high-stakes game.
Despite the tight timeline for the match on February 16th, Prapanca remains hopeful. He emphasized, “In theory, there should be no issues if Persija faces Persib on that date. But ultimately, GBK’s considerations and other factors may influence their decision.”
A History of Venue Changes
Back in August 2024, Persija announced JIS as their home ground for the 2023/2024 season. However, due to various circumstances, the team has had to relocate multiple times. They have played matches at Sultan Agung Stadium in Bantul and Pakansari Stadium in Bogor.
Prapanca recalled GBK Stadium initially offering to host Persija for the 2024/2025 season. However, due to the recent World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers, GBK had to prioritize maintaining the pitch quality. “After the matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia, there were concerns about the pitch quality, especially from our opponents. They contacted us to inform that they plan to make improvements for the March fixtures,” Prapanca explained.
Upcoming Matches and Challenges
As Persija navigates the venue uncertainty, they are gearing up for a packed schedule of 20 Liga 1 matches this season. The team’s next fixture sees them facing Persita Tangerang at JIS on Saturday, January 18th.
The fate of the highly-anticipated Persija vs. Persib match hangs in the balance as negotiations with GBK Stadium continue. The outcome will not only impact the players and fans but also add an extra layer of anticipation to this fierce rivalry. Stay tuned for updates as the venue decision unfolds.
**Source: Antara**
