Jakarta Governor Wants Persija to Win League as 500th Anniversary Gift

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung expressed a strong desire for the Persija football club to clinch the league championship in the 2026/2027 season, envisioning it as a significant gift for the capital city as it prepares to celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2027.

Pramono, a politician from the PDIP party, sees a genuine opportunity for Persija, nicknamed the "Macan Kemayoran" (Kemayoran Tigers), to achieve this goal, especially with the recent appointment of coach Shin Tae-yong, who brings extensive experience. "I want to experience winning the league and at the same time it is a gift for Jakarta's 500 years," Pramono stated during a collaboration event between Bank Jakarta and Persija.

He emphasized Persija's role as a symbol of pride for Jakarta residents and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong bond between the club and its supporters. "If this can be maintained continuously, I am sure it will be a tremendous social capital," Pramono remarked. Beyond athletic achievement, the governor aims to elevate Jakarta's profile as a sports tourism hub, with the provincial government planning to create more opportunities for sporting events and large-scale activities.

Pramono believes that supporting Persija contributes to building a sense of ownership among the public towards Jakarta. He desires for Persija's matches to be conducted in a safe and comfortable environment for both players and fans. "Because with that, I truly want Persija to experience matches with a sense of security, comfort, and pride, feeling that a match for Jakarta is a match for themselves and also a match for their families," he said.

Agus Haryoto Widodo, the President Director of Bank Jakarta, echoed these sentiments, stating that the collaboration aims to bring the bank closer to Jakarta's community, leveraging Persija's large fanbase and its connection to the city's identity. He added that a championship win would be a "perfect gift for Jakarta" during its historic 500th anniversary. The collaboration also coincided with the launch of Bank Jakarta's new website, reflecting the bank's digital transformation and commitment to modern, professional, and accessible services.