I.League Condemns Attack on Persib U-18 Bus: Don't Break the Trust of Away Supporters
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- Rombongan Elite Pro Academy Persib Bandung diserang di Rest Area Batang KM 360, Jawa Tengah, Minggu malam, menyebabkan seorang personel media menjadi korban kekerasan fisik dan bus tim rusak.
- I.League menuntut penegakan hukum tuntas dan menyoroti risiko trauma psikologis bagi pemain muda yang menjadi sasaran insiden.
- Insiden ini menguji kebijakan baru yang kembali mengizinkan suporter tim tamu hadir di stadion, di tengah momentum positif sepak bola nasional pasca gelar FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026.
The attack on the Elite Pro Academy (EPA) Persib Bandung U-18 convoy at the Batang Rest Area KM 360, Central Java, on Sunday night (11/10/2026), drew a strong reaction from the league operator. I.League is demanding that law enforcement thoroughly investigate the case, which left a Persib media crew member a victim of physical violence, damaged the team bus, and allegedly involved the looting of belongings of officials and players.
In an official statement released Monday (12/10/2026), I.League Chief Executive Ferry Paulus stressed that rivalry between clubs must not be used to justify anarchic acts. He regretted that the incident occurred precisely as the league was working to build a safer match ecosystem, including by reopening access for away supporters to back their club directly at the stadium.
According to Ferry, the policy represents a form of trust that all stakeholders must uphold together. He reminded that the responsibility to maintain order does not stop at the stadium gates, but also applies throughout the journey, on the roads, and in the public spaces supporters pass through.
"The trust that has been given to bring away supporters back must be upheld together. Order and safety are not only a responsibility inside the stadium, but also throughout the journey, on the roads, and in the public places supporters pass through," Ferry said.
The incident in Batang is a severe test of the sporting commitment I.League has been championing. Indonesian football is currently in a positive momentum after the senior national team made history by winning the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. That achievement complements the growth of women's football, including the run of the U-17 women's national team, as well as rising international attention toward the domestic competition.
Ferry hopes the actions of a handful of individuals will not erode those gains. According to him, supporter backing should be a strength for clubs and the national team, as well as a diplomatic tool to improve the image of Indonesian football in the eyes of the world.
I.League is giving special attention to the young EPA Persib players who witnessed or were direct victims of the incident. Violence experienced or witnessed by young athletes can potentially cause long-term fear and trauma. Therefore, their safety and psychological condition are deemed an inseparable part of handling the case.
"Football should be a safe space for everyone, including young players who are still developing their journey and potential. We do not want an incident like this to happen again, let alone leave trauma for the next generation of Indonesian football," Ferry stressed.
I.League also called on all clubs, supporter groups, and football elements to work together to maintain public trust. Support for a beloved team should be expressed through sportsmanship, not actions that endanger the safety of others. The message was emphasized as a reminder that the responsibility to protect football does not end when the final whistle blows.
The case leaves a big question: will the policy of opening access for away supporters be maintained, or will it be fully evaluated if law enforcement does not reach completion? The answer will determine the direction of Indonesian football crowd governance going forward.
