GRIB Denies Causing Persija vs. Persib Match Cancellation at SUGBK
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The football match between Persija and Persib, scheduled for May 10, 2026, has been postponed due to a venue conflict.
- GRIB Jaya, a community organization, is holding its 15th anniversary event at Istora Senayan on the same day, leading to the stadium's unavailability.
- The match will now be held in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, with the date and time remaining unchanged.
A highly anticipated football match between rivals Persija and Persib, slated for May 10, 2026, has been unexpectedly postponed, sparking disappointment among fans. The reason cited is a scheduling conflict at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta, which is already booked for the 15th-anniversary celebration of the community organization GRIB Jaya.
It is entirely the management's policy.
Marcel Gual, Head of Media for DPP GRIB Jaya, has vehemently denied any involvement in the match's cancellation, stating that the event's booking was made well in advance and that the stadium's management is solely responsible for venue allocation. "It is entirely the management's policy," Marcel asserted, emphasizing that his organization holds no special privileges and that all citizens and organizations have equal rights.
All citizens and organizations have the same rights in the eyes of the law.
This venue clash has forced the match to be relocated to Stadion Segiri in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. While the date and time remain the same, the change of venue is a significant disruption for fans, particularly those who had already made arrangements to attend the game in Jakarta. The decision highlights the challenges of managing major sporting events in a city with a packed schedule, as noted by I.League Director Ferry Paulus, who cited Jakarta's busy May agenda and security concerns as factors in the initial venue decision. The relocation to Samarinda, while a solution, underscores the logistical complexities faced by Indonesian football authorities in ensuring smooth event execution.
The time is the same, the time is still 3:30 PM.
Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.