Persija Perfect in BRI Super League, Two Clubs Still Winless and Struggling

Persija Jakarta asserted their dominance at the start of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League by sweeping their first four matches, a feat no other club has been able to match. The 4-0 win over PSIM Yogyakarta at Sultan Agung Stadium in Bantul last weekend not only cemented Macan Kemayoran's position at the top of the provisional standings but also set a new record: no other team has managed to take full points from every opening match this season.

For Persija, this perfect start is a strong signal that Shin Tae-yong's coaching era is beginning to find its ideal shape. Two key players who had just returned from national duty, Rizky Ridho and Nadeo Argawinata, made an immediate significant impact. Both had just helped the Indonesia national team win the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, and the euphoria of that title seemed to spread to the Persija dressing room. The emphatic win at PSIM's home ground showed squad depth of real quality, something that has often been the capital club's weakness in previous seasons.

Yet behind Persija's brilliance, the fourth matchweek also highlighted the competition's increasingly sharp imbalance. Bali United showed their class by demolishing Persijap Jepara 6-1, a scoreline that confirmed the gap between the top teams and the bottom of the table remains wide. Serdadu Tridatu's new foreign striker, Jort van der Sande, was the star with his first hattrick. The Bonaire international had previously struggled to score, but the match against Persijap became a liberating moment he seized fully.

On the other hand, this week marked a turning point for two clubs that had previously been struggling. PSS Sleman ended a three-match losing streak by beating PSM Makassar three goals to nil. Meanwhile Java United, who had suffered two defeats and one draw, successfully defeated Borneo FC 2-1. These wins are crucial for maintaining team morale and avoiding a deeper crisis of confidence. For PSS and Java United, these three points are not just a number but a foundation for building consistency in the weeks ahead.

In contrast, two promoted teams are still mired in struggle. Isenmulang FC fell 0-1 at home while hosting Persebaya Surabaya, extending their record to four defeats without a point. Persijap Jepara suffered the same fate after being thrashed by Bali United. Besides those two, there is Garudayaksa FC, who have collected only two draws and two defeats, as well as PSM Makassar and PSIM Yogyakarta, who have also yet to taste victory. This situation raises questions about the readiness of promoted teams to compete at the highest level, especially when facing established teams with better squad depth and experience.

"This win is very important for the players' confidence. We know Persija are a strong team, but we must not give up," said the PSIM Yogyakarta coach after the match, as quoted from the club's press statement.

Looking at the current balance of power, the 2026/2027 BRI Super League could become a competition split in two: a dominant upper group and a lower group struggling to escape the pressure. Persija, Bali United, and Persib Bandung—who nearly lost to Dewa United before salvaging a point—show that the race at the top will be tight. However, for the teams yet to win, the fifth matchweek is a mental test that will determine whether they can rise or sink further.

The question is, will Persija be able to maintain their perfect record until the tenth matchweek, or will a surprise from a mid-table team halt their run? What is clear is that the dynamics of this early season signal that surprises are still possible, and for the teams struggling, time to fix things is running short.