APPI to Visit Bandung as Nadeo Argawinata Condemns Attack on Persib U-18 Bus
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- Asosiasi Pesepak Bola Profesional Indonesia berencana mengunjungi Bandung untuk memberikan dukungan moral kepada korban penyerangan bus Persib U-18.
- Nadeo Argawinata, Wakil Ketua APPI, mengecam aksi oknum suporter yang mencoreng citra sepak bola nasional.
- Insiden di rest area tol Batang-Semarang memicu pertanyaan serius tentang keamanan tim muda dan pengelolaan suporter di kompetisi domestik.
Persija Jakarta goalkeeper and Indonesia national team member Nadeo Argawinata said the Indonesian Professional Footballers Association (APPI) plans to visit Bandung to meet the victims of an attack on the Persib Bandung U-18 team bus. The throwing incident, carried out by individuals among The Jakmania supporters, took place at the rest area of the Batang-Semarang Toll Road KM 360, Central Java, some time ago.
Nadeo, who serves as APPI Deputy Chairman, expressed deep regret over the act. "It is very unfortunate, whoever the individuals were who did it, regardless of whether it is true or not," he said after leading a training session with Persija at the Persija Training Ground, Depok, Thursday (15/10/2026). The statement underlined that the professional footballers' organization is not standing idle in the face of supporter-related violence.
According to Nadeo, APPI has held an Executive Committee (Exco) meeting to discuss the planned visit to Bandung. "We have met with several Exco members and players. If there are no obstacles, we want to give encouragement to the victims affected," he added. The move is seen as a form of solidarity among players, as well as an effort to protect the dignity of the competition from anarchic acts.
The incident came to light as the BRI Super League 2026/2027 is underway. I.League President Director Ferry Paulus had earlier highlighted the difficulty of the licensing process before the Persija vs Persib match could finally be held at Gelora Bung Karno with spectators present. However, the euphoria of that big match was marred by violence that harmed a youth team. Persib U-18 had just finished a match against Garuda United in Group B of EPA One U-18 in Solo, 10-11 October 2026.
In the context of Indonesian football, this is not the first such incident. Throughout the history of the domestic competition, clashes between supporters and attacks on team buses have often been a black mark. The incident in Batang is a fresh reminder that supporter management and security for team travel, especially for youth groups, remains a major task. APPI, as the body for professional footballers, is expected to push for systemic change, not merely a symbolic visit.
"We as an association want to visit Bandung to give encouragement to the victims affected." — Nadeo Argawinata, APPI Deputy Chairman
On reflection, the bus attack is not only about physical damage but also psychological trauma for the young players. They are the next generation who should be nurtured in a safe and sporting competitive environment. Support from APPI can be a strong message that player solidarity transcends club rivalries. However, without firm law enforcement and sustained supporter education, similar incidents could recur.
Going forward, the public awaits whether APPI's visit to Bandung will be followed by concrete steps, such as advocacy for security policy or supporter education programs. Indonesian football is entering a new phase with a more modern competition format. Violence off the pitch should no longer be part of the story. Can stakeholders unite to make football a safe space for everyone?
