SOCCER IN INDONESIA: CRAZY FANS, GAMES, DEADLY STAMPEDES

SOCCER IN INDONESIA

Jay Idzes is considered the best Indonesian soccer player; he is a defender for Serie A's Venezia and captain of the Indonesia national team

Soccer is arguably the most popular spectator sport in Indonesia. Millions come out to watch games live and tens of millions watch the action on television. Not only are the Indonesian fans fanatical about their local teams but they are also big fans of international soccer, Especially English club teams and the World Cup. The English Premier League is particularly popular among Indonesian soccer fans, many of whom fans know all the popular English players and can tell you more about Manchester United and Arsenal than many English soccer fans.

Indonesians are arguably much better at watching soccer than playing it, sometimes too much so. In 2002, 48 inmates escaped from a prison in Indonesia because their guards were distracted by watching Brazil and Belgium play in a key World Cup match,

In Jakarta, and other major cities, and in rural areas too, you can often see children and adults playing the game in vacant lots, parks, and formal sports fields. The condition of the playing field can vary from a well kept pitch to a dirt clearing in agricultural fields or an urban slum that becomes a mud puddle when it rains. Attire of the players range from a formal sponsored team uniforms to bare feet and shirtless. [Source: expat.or.id]

The Indonesian government has made a concentrated effort to promote soccer throughout Indonesia and major funding has been provided to improve Indonesian soccer. Foreign coaches and players have been brought in to teach and improve the skills of Indonesian soccer players. This has resulted in a much improved level of play by Indonesia’s national team. Interest in soccer has also been credited with improving the health of Indonesian children, getting them off the couch and away from television and devices onto fields, where they get some exercise. Soccer schools and clubs not only promote playing but also encourage having a healthy diet.

Indonesia and FIFA

Persib Bandung is regarded as the best Indonesian soccer teaml it won back-to-back Liga 1 titles in 2023–24 and 2024–25; Other top, teams include Persija Jakarta, Persipura Jayapura, and Bali United

As of April 2026, Indonesia men's national soccer was ranked 122nd in the FIFA World Rankings. The team's ranking frequently fluctuates based on match results. Indonesia was ranked 155th in the world by FIFA in 2016. At its lowest point in 2013, the country was ranked 161st. Its best ranking came in 1998 when it was ranked 87th. [Source: Los Angeles Times, Wikipedia]

In June 2015, FIFA banned Indonesia from international competition after determining that the government had interfered in the affairs of the national football association, PSSI. FIFA said the sanction was due to an effective “takeover” of PSSI activities by Indonesian authorities. The ban was imposed for about a year. PSSI official Hinca Pandjaitan described the decision as “a sad moment,” while Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi said reforms would be made to restructure Indonesian football. [Source: Los Angeles Times, June 5, 2015]

In April 2023 FIFA stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup, relocating the tournament to Argentina just weeks before the even in May after the island of Bali refused to host Israel for tournament draw.

Indonesia Wins the Southeast Asian Games Soccer Gold Medal

In 2023, Thousands of people lined the streets of Jakarta to welcome home Indonesia’s national football team after their victory at the Southeast Asian Games. Fans waved flags, lit flares, and chanted as the players paraded through the streets in an open-top bus marked “CHAMPIONS,” celebrating a long-awaited triumph. [Source: AFP, May 19, 2023]

Indonesia secured the gold medal with a 5–2 win over Thailand after extra time in the men’s final held in Phnom Penh. The match was marred by controversy, with four players sent off and two large-scale brawls breaking out. Thailand finished the game with only eight players on the field. In response, the Asian Football Confederation and Thai football authorities announced investigations into the violent incidents.

Despite the tensions surrounding the final, celebrations in Indonesia focused on the achievement itself. The victory marked the country’s first football gold medal at the regional games in 32 years. Crowds gathered along major roads and pedestrian bridges, with office workers and schoolchildren joining in the celebration, turning thestreets into a sea of red and white.

Sports minister Dito Ariotedjo described the occasion as a moment of national pride, while football association chairman Erick Thohir expressed hope that the would spark a “mental revolution” in Indonesian football. The tournament’s men’s competition is contested by under-23 teams, making the achievement particularly significant for the country’s next generation of players.

Sleepless in Indonesia, Watching World Cup Soccer Matches

World Cup fever during the 2010 FIFA World Cup spread widely across Indonesia, where millions of fans followed matches around the clock despite the time difference with South Africa. While some supporters traveled abroad, most relied on live television broadcasts to watch games. Matches featuring global stars such as Kaká and Lionel Messi drew particularly large audiences. Television coverage made it possible for fans to stay engaged with every major moment, including France’s early elimination and Argentina’s campaign. The tournament became a nationwide viewing event, with football dominating daily routines. For many Indonesians, watching matches live meant adjusting to a nocturnal schedule. [Source: Triwik Kurniasari, Jakarta Post, June 27 2010]

Local broadcasters RCTI and Global TV aired all matches free of charge under the Media Nusantara Citra (MNC) group. This accessibility contributed to massive viewership across the country. Broadcast schedules often ran late into the night and early morning hours, aligning with match times in South Africa. To maintain audience engagement, the networks combined live games with interactive quiz programs and studio discussions. These segments were held before and after matches, encouraging viewers to stay tuned for extended periods. The format helped sustain continuous viewing throughout the tournament.

Fans commonly stayed awake until early morning to follow their favorite teams. Matches often kicked off around 1:30 a.m. local time, requiring viewers to sacrifice sleep. Many gathered with friends or family for “nonton bareng” (communal viewing), turning late-night games into social events. Coffee, snacks, and shared enthusiasm became part of the routine. The experience of watching together helped fans remain alert during long hours. Despite fatigue, the excitement of live matches kept audiences engaged night after night.

Television presenters and production staff followed similar schedules. Presenter Laura Basuki said she typically arrived at the studio around midnight and worked until 4 a.m. hosting quiz segments. She described the challenge of maintaining energy throughout the month-long tournament while balancing other responsibilities. “I go home at 4 a.m. and sometimes I don’t have much time to sleep,” she said. To cope, she relied on vitamin C, short naps, coffee, and snacks. She also emphasized that staying awake was essential to maintaining a professional on-camera appearance.

Other presenters reported similar conditions. Broadcaster Charles Bonar Sirait said he often had to remain on standby before midnight and work through matches that ended at dawn. “It’s hard to readjust to the sleeping habit,” he said, noting that he sometimes tried to sleep at the studio between segments. Production teams organized workshops to prepare presenters with basic football knowledge and current tournament updates. While hosts were expected to have deeper expertise, presenters focused on engaging audiences during short interactive segments. The continuous schedule required both physical endurance and careful planning.

Broadcasters also tailored programming to widen the audience beyond traditional football fans. Female presenters and celebrities were included to attract family viewers and maintain interest during late hours. Producers noted that audiences responded positively to familiar faces, especially during quiz segments. Some programs also featured guest appearances, including public figures such as the Youth and Sports Minister. These strategies helped sustain attention during overnight broadcasts. As a result, Indonesian fans remained connected to the World Cup throughout the night, turning the tournament into a round-the-clock national spectacle.

Crazy Indonesian Soccer Fans

Indonesian football has developed an intense supporter culture marked by organized fan groups and extreme loyalty. Clubs such as Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung each claim millions of supporters, many of whom belong to structured fan organizations. These groups often operate with internal hierarchies, including “commanders” who direct members at matches. One such leader, Irlan Alarancia of the Jakmania “Hard-Liners,” has been documented rallying supporters with militaristic language. “I want you to be strong, mentally and physically. We cannot expect the weak to fight,” he said through a megaphone. Supporters sometimes train together in coordinated formations before attending games. [Source: James Massola & Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald, September 27, 2018; David Lipson, abc.net.au, February 12, 2019]

Describing a soccer riot at a game between Indonesia and Thailand at the Southeast Asia Games in Jakarta in the late 1990s, Associated Press reported: "Police with gas masks and automatic weapons were needed to restore order as 130,000 fans lit fires in the stadium and forced the soccer final to be halted...After a 45-minute delay...the game was resumed. Within a minute, crowds again thew debris onto the field, but Indonesia players were able to calm them down...two minutes after the restart, Indonesia pulled even and fans went into a frenzy. The game was just 10 minutes old when fans at one end caused a stoppage of four minutes by pelting the playing area with debris...State owned television, which was broadcasting the game live, changed to other programming soon after trouble began."

Fan devotion is frequently expressed through the slogan “Sampai mati,” meaning “until death.” This phrase reflects a culture in which loyalty to a club is considered absolute and enduring. Supporters travel across Indonesia’s vast archipelago to attend matches, often at personal risk. The scale of fandom is large, with Indonesia’s top league consisting of 18 teams and numerous rivalries. In many cases, fan identity becomes deeply tied to regional pride and historical grievances. Observers note that rivalries such as Jakarta versus Bandung may reflect older social or geographic tensions.

To manage the risks associated with these intense rivalries, authorities often restrict attendance to home supporters only. Away fans are frequently banned from entering stadium areas to prevent clashes. Despite these measures, tensions remain high both inside and outside venues. The atmosphere at matches often includes chanting, flares, and coordinated displays. While these elements can be celebratory, they also contribute to volatile conditions.

Players themselves are affected by the environment surrounding matches. For nearly a decade, teams have been transported to high-risk games in Barracuda armoured personnel carriers. This practice underscores the perceived threat level associated with certain fixtures. It is unusual in global football and highlights the severity of security concerns in Indonesia. Even routine league matches can require extensive police and military-style precautions.

Concerns about corruption and match-fixing further intensify fan emotions. Allegations of mafia involvement in fixing results are widely discussed among supporters. Akmal Marhali of the NGO Save Our Soccer described match-fixing as “a chronic disease in Indonesia.” Fans sometimes enter stadiums believing outcomes are predetermined, which can fuel anger and unrest. These factors combine to create a football culture that is highly passionate but often unstable.

Indonesia’s Strong Soccer Fan Base

As monsoon rains swept through Jakarta, chants of “Indonesia! Indonesia!” echoed across Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, where more than 60,000 spectators gathered on a night to watch the national team. An estimated 100 million viewers followed the match on television, highlighting the scale of football’s popularity in Indonesia. Attendance figures in the country rival those of top European leagues, including Germany’s Bundesliga and England’s Premier League. [Source: Janeman Latul, Reuters, May 23, 2013]

Despite Indonesia being ranked 170th out of 209 football nations, the sport commands vast domestic attention. Weekend matches draw around 52 million television viewers. Annual stadium attendance reaches approximately 12 million, according to league officials.

Comparisons with European leagues highlight Indonesia’s strong spectator base. Germany’s Bundesliga recorded about 13.8 million total attendance in the 2011–12 season, while England’s Premier League attracted around 13.1 million. Indonesian football’s commercial potential is also substantial. Television rights for the Indonesian Super League were sold in 2011 for 1.3 trillion rupiah (about $133.5 million) over 10 years. Widjajanto, head of PT Liga Prima Indonesia Sportindo, estimated that a unified league could generate at least $360 million annually in broadcasting and advertising revenue. These figures illustrate why control of the sport is financially attractive.

Soccer, Politics and Money in Indonesia

Soccer in Indonesia attracts both mass audiences and influential political figures as well as rich businessmen. Among regular attendees in the early 2010s were President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and businessman Aburizal Bakrie. Their involvement reflects the intersection of football, politics, and mass appeal. [Source: Janeman Latul, Reuters, May 23, 2013]

Control of football governance has become a contested political issue ahead of national elections. Bakrie, leader of the Golkar party and a declared presidential candidate, emerged with influence over a unified football association formed after nearly two years of competing leagues and governing bodies. The association oversees key commercial assets, including stadium marketing and television broadcasting rights. A senior official at Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) stated, “If you can control football, you are half way to controlling Indonesia.” He added, “No political party campaign can get such a huge, devoted and noisy crowd.” These remarks underscore football’s perceived political value. The struggle for control has been described as central to broader electoral strategies.

Bakrie has leveraged media ownership to strengthen his position, using his television network to broadcast matches and promote his political ambitions. While his candidacy has been , the Democratic Party of Yudhoyono had not yet named a leading contender at the time. Other presidential figures included Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo and former general Prabowo Subianto. Analysts suggest that influence over football could provide a significant electoral advantage in a country of 240 million people.

Observers have described the control over football governance as a “proxy battle” between political factions. Tjipta Lesmana, a former PSSI committee head, said, “It’s very clear that it’s a proxy battle between the Democratic Party and Golkar for the 2014 elections.” He added that the association “has been used for political purposes.” Historically, football in Indonesia was tightly controlled under former president Suharto until his removal in 1998. Afterward, governance weakened and private business interests gained influence, including the Bakrie family. In 2010, the government intervened, initiating a power struggle that led to rival leagues and administrative jurisdictions. The conflict disrupted sponsorship and club finances, forcing some teams to shut down.

The dispute reached a low point amid reports of unpaid players and league instability. One Paraguayan player reportedly died after being unable to afford medical treatment due to unpaid wages, while others were said to have begged on the streets. In response, the government tasked Sports Minister Roy Suryo with resolving the crisis. An arrnaged meeting brought both factions together under heavy police presence. The meeting produced an agreement to unify the governing body and leagues, though critics said the outcome favored Bakrie-aligned figures. Djohar Arifin Husin was appointed PSSI chairman, while several board members walked out.

Despite stepping down from formal roles, Nirwan Bakrie remained influential within Indonesian football circles. He rejected claims that the league was driven solely by politics or money. “If you fall in love with your girlfriend, you give your heart but if you fall in love with football, you’ll give your heart and your soul,” he said.

Violent Soccer Fans in Indonesia

Violence among Indonesian football supporters has been documented for decades and occurs both inside and outside stadiums. Clashes between rival groups frequently involve physical assaults, thrown objects, and the use of improvised weapons. Organized fan groups sometimes resemble militias, with coordinated movements and confrontational tactics. Leaders such as Irlan Alarancia openly acknowledged a culture of fighting, stating, “Every man likes fighting… since I was in high school.” Such attitudes contribute to recurring incidents of mass brawls. [Source: James Massola & Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald, September 27, 2018; David Lipson, abc.net.au, February 12, 2019]

One of the most prominent rivalries is between Persija Jakarta supporters (Jakmania) and Persib Bandung supporters (often called Viking fans). Matches between these teams are considered high-risk events. Authorities frequently deploy large numbers of riot police and use water cannons to control crowds. In some cases, stadium access is heavily restricted or matches are played under heightened security conditions. Despite these measures, violence continues to occur regularly.

A notable case involved 23-year-old Persija fan Haringga Sirilia, who was killed before a match. He was attacked by a mob after being identified as a supporter of the opposing team. Witness footage showed him beaten with wooden blocks, kicked, and stamped on by dozens of attackers while others watched and filmed. His death was widely circulated online, intensifying public scrutiny. By the following day, 16 people had been arrested and eight named as suspects.

Family members of victims have publicly expressed grief and anger. Haringga’s mother said, “A good boy becoming a target, just for watching a soccer game. He wasn’t looking for trouble.” His father called for severe punishment for the attackers, stating, “If necessary, I’d kill them, too.” Such reactions reflect the emotional toll of repeated incidents. Legal responses have included arrests and charges of murder or assault causing death.

Violence is not limited to major rivalries. Even matches described as “friendly” have seen fights before kickoff and disruptions during play. Fans have thrown flares onto fields, forcing games to stop multiple times. Police presence, including dozens of riot officers, has often been insufficient to immediately restore order. These patterns indicate systemic issues in crowd control and enforcement. Experts cite weak sanctions, poor regulation, and inconsistent policing as contributing factors.

84 Soccer Fan Deaths Between 1994 and 2021

At least 86 football-related deaths were recorded in Indonesia between 1994 and 2021. These deaths have occurred in various contexts, including stadium clashes, street fights, and targeted attacks. The frequency of incidents has led some observers to describe Indonesian football as one of the most dangerous in the world. Akmal Marhali stated that the sport has “become a graveyard, not entertainment.” [Source: James Massola & Karuni Rompies, Sydney Morning Herald, September 27, 2018; David Lipson, abc.net.au, February 12, 2019]

Weak enforcement of safety standards and inconsistent reforms had allowed risks to persist. In certain periods, fatalities have occurred in rapid succession. Indonesian President Joko Widodo described the death of one supporter as the “16th in eight months,” adding that it was “too many” and that violence must stop. Such statements reflect concern at the highest levels of government. However, critics argue that official responses have not produced lasting change. League suspensions and investigations have been implemented but often temporarily.

The rivalry between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung has been particularly deadly. At least seven fans have been killed in matches involving these teams over a seven-year period. Akmal Marhali described the pattern as retaliatory violence: “When Persib played at Persija’s home ground, someone died. When Persija played at Persib’s stadium, someone died.” This cycle of revenge has entrenched hostility between supporter groups. It has also made certain fixtures especially dangerous.

Institutional responses have included suspending competitions and imposing sanctions. Following Haringga Sirilia’s death, the Go-Jek Liga 1 was suspended for an investigation, and officials suggested the pause was to show “deep condolences.” Deputy PSSI chairman Joko Driyono stated that reforms would be a “long-term project.” Measures discussed include improved stadium infrastructure and stricter match regulations. However, skepticism remains among fans and analysts regarding their effectiveness.

Law enforcement efforts have also targeted corruption linked to violence. Police established an Anti-Soccer-Mafia Task Force involving 145 officers and identified 11 suspects in match-fixing investigations. Authorities conducted raids on several offices as part of this initiative. Despite these actions, public confidence in the system remains low. Many supporters continue to demand fundamental reforms, while others question whether Indonesian football can become a safe “beautiful game” in the near future.

Soccer Stampede in 2022 in Indonesia Leaves 131 Dead

In October 2022, a deadly stadium crush in East Java killed 135 people. The disaster unfolded at the night at Kanjuruhan Stadium following a Liga 1 match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya. The home side, Arema, lost 3–2—its first home defeat to its rival in 23 years. As the final whistle blew, thousands of disappointed supporters flooded the pitch in protest and anger. Riot police responded as tensions escalated, and clashes broke out between fans and security forces both inside and outside the stadium.[Sources: Agoes Basoeki and Niniek Karmini, Associated Press October 2, 2022; Dera Menra Sijabat and Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, October 3, 2022; Kate Lamb and Ananda Teresia, Reuters, October 4, 2022]

Police fired multiple rounds of tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd, including into the spectator stands. The use of tear gas in stadiums is prohibited under FIFA regulations. Panic spread rapidly as gas filled enclosed areas, reducing visibility and making breathing difficult. Spectators rushed toward exits in large numbers, triggering a deadly crush.

Initial reports placed the death toll at 174, but later official figures revised it to 131 deaths, with more than 400 injured. Victims included at least 33 minors, according to local authorities. Many died from suffocation or were trampled in the stampede, while others suffered head injuries during the chaos. Hospitals in Malang and surrounding areas were overwhelmed, with more than 300 injured transported for treatment.

Most fatalities occurred near exit points, particularly Gate 13, where crowds bottlenecked. Witnesses and officials reported that some gates were locked or only partially , preventing people from escaping quickly. The density of the crowd and the sudden panic contributed to the severity of the disaster. Survivors described scenes of people collapsing, unconscious bodies piling up, and desperate to find air.

In the aftermath, Indonesian authorities launched investigations into security procedures and crowd control measures. The national football association PSSI suspended Liga 1 matches and banned Arema from hosting games for the rest of the season. President Joko Widodo called for a full evaluation, stating, “I deeply regret this tragedy… don’t let another human tragedy like this happen in the future.” The incident became one of the deadliest stadium disasters in modern football history.

Eyewitness Accounts of the 2022 Soccer Stamped

Spectators at the 2022 stampede described the scene as chaotic and terrifying from the moment tear gas was deployed. Ahmad Nizar Habibi, a 29-year-old fan, said he sensed trouble before the match ended. “I wanted to leave, but suddenly I heard explosions,” he recalled. “We couldn’t see. Fans were screaming and we couldn’t breathe.” His account reflects how quickly confusion turned into panic.

Another witness, a university student named Haura, said she fainted amid the الغاز and crush. “We heard the doors were closed… many people couldn’t get out,” she said. “I couldn’t breathe and my eyes hurt.” Like many Indonesians, she uses only one name. Her experience highlights how limited exits worsened the situation. [Sources: Agoes Basoeki and Niniek Karmini, Associated Press October 2, 2022; Dera Menra Sijabat and Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, October 3, 2022; Kate Lamb and Ananda Teresia, Reuters, October 4, 2022]

A spectator identified as Joshua described how tear gas was fired repeatedly over nearly an hour. He said the first rounds were launched around 10:30 p.m., followed by more sustained firing into the stands around 11 p.m. “People were trying to leave… but exits were closed,” he said. He added that some fans climbed fences more than 5 meters high to escape, while others collapsed in the aisles.

Joshua said many victims were not rioters on the pitch but spectators in the stands attempting to flee. “If there wasn’t any tear gas shot into the stands, there would have not been any casualties,” he said. “They were panicked and their only choice was to get out.” He described seeing people carried away and hearing screams for help. “When I close my eyes, I can still hear the voices screaming,” he said.

Other witnesses described scenes outside the stadium, including burning police vehicles and clashes continuing in nearby streets. Awang, a 52-year-old fan, said he returned after fleeing and found laid out in a prayer room. “There were dead bodies… many supporters were crying hysterically,” he said. Survivors consistently described the atmosphere as one of , confusion, and desperation.

Why the Soccer Stampede in Indonesia Occurred

Investigations into the 2022 stampede pointed to a combination of factors rather than a single cause. One key issue was overcrowding: about 42,000 tickets were reportedly sold for a stadium with a capacity of around 38,000. Although rival supporters were banned to reduce tensions, the venue was still packed with Arema fans. The high numberof spectators increased the intensity of a crush once panic began. [Sources: Agoes Basoeki and Niniek Karmini, Associated Press October 2, 2022; Dera Menra Sijabat and Sui-Lee Wee, New York Times, October 3, 2022; Kate Lamb and Ananda Teresia, Reuters, October 4, 2022]

The use of tear gas was widely identified as a critical trigger. Football analyst Yusuf Kurniawan said the gas spread into the stands, not just the pitch. “People panicked and they were suffocated as they struggled to find the exits,” he explained. The decision to deploy tear gas, especially in enclosed spaces, has been heavily criticized and remains central to official investigations.

Another major factor was the condition and management of exits. Multiple witnesses reported that at least three gates were locked or inaccessible. Police oversight officials later confirmed that some exits were indeed closed, though responsibility remained unclear. Bottlenecks formed as attempted to escape simultaneously, leading to deadly pushing and trampling.

Pre-match decisions also contributed to the tragedy. Authorities had recommended holding the high-risk derby during daylight hours, but it proceeded at night. Matches between Arema and Persebaya are historically tense, and security planning was considered inadequate. According to Akmal Marhali of the watchdog group Save Our Soccer, “These are collective mistakes,” involving organizers, police, and officials.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources:“Encyclopedia of World Cultures Volume 5: East/Southeast Asia:” edited by Paul Hockings, 1993; “Culture and Customs of Indonesia” by Jill Forshee, Greenwood Press, 2006; National Geographic, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Smithsonian magazine, Encyclopedia.com, Library of Congress, Indonesia Tourism website (indonesia.travel), Indonesia government websites, Live Science, The Conversation, The New Yorker, Time, BBC, CNN, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Lonely Planet Guides, Google AI, Wikipedia, The Guardian and various websites, books and other publications.

Last updated April 2026