Marc Klok Praises Persib and Persijap Supporters: A Real Example for Indonesian Football

Persib Bandung captain, Marc Klok, praised Bobotoh (Persib supporters) and Persijap Jepara fans for creating a conducive match atmosphere at Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium, Jepara, on Sunday (20/9/2026). The match, which ended with a 2-1 victory for Maung Bandung (Persib's nickname), proceeded without significant incidents, a sight Klok believes should be a role model for national football.

The 33-year-old midfielder believes that the presence of both supporter groups in one stadium with mutual respect is crucial for improving the image of Indonesian competitions. "We know that in football, fans, whether at home or away, always talk about problems. But we also have to give appreciation, because today was truly right," Klok said, as quoted by Bola.com.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Klok noted that Bobotoh, present at the opponent's home ground, and the home supporters were able to focus on supporting their respective teams without inciting trouble. "They behaved very well, with a very good attitude. I think this is an example for Indonesian football," he added. He hopes that every match, regardless of the final score, can present a similar atmosphere.

The victory was not easily achieved. Klok revealed that his team had to travel a long distance from South Korea to Jepara, in addition to a packed match schedule. "We had quite a long journey, a very tight schedule, and we know that playing against Persijap is difficult. We hadn't won against them for a long time. So I am proud of the team's performance," he stated.

Persijap is indeed known as a troublesome opponent for Persib when playing at home. Laskar Kalinyamat's impressive record posed a particular challenge for Maung Bandung. Despite being fatigued, the players remained tenacious and managed to bring home three points. "Even though we were tired, even though it was far, even though the facilities were lacking, we came here with a very good attitude, with very good hard work, and also with a great game," Klok said.

"Every game should be like that. Whether we lose or win, the atmosphere and the way we behave are very important, I think this is very important." — Marc Klok

Klok's appreciation for supporter sportsmanship comes as a breath of fresh air amidst frequent negative attention on the behavior of Indonesian football fans. Incidents of riots and clashes between supporters still often occur in various competitions, making the moment in Jepara a potential turning point for building a more mature viewing culture. Positive support from players like Klok is expected to encourage broader changes in supporter behavior.

Moving forward, the challenge is to maintain consistency. Klok hopes this standard will not only occur in one match but become a habit in every game. "A 2-1 score might make me happy, but ultimately I am very pleased with this," he concluded. If the spirit of sportsmanship continues to be fostered, it is not impossible that Indonesian football will be more appreciated on the international stage.