LAMONGAN, Indonesia – Persela Lamongan are still searching for their first win of the 2025-2026 season, but a recent surge of fan support at Surajaya Stadium has instilled renewed hope in head coach Bima Sakti. The atmosphere at a recent friendly match against Persekat Tegal, where thousands of supporters filled the stands, left Sakti deeply moved and fueled his plea to the PSSI (Football Association of Indonesia) to lift sanctions preventing fans from attending league matches.
The friendly against Persekat, held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, marked the first time Persela fans were able to directly support their team at Surajaya Stadium in nearly three years. This followed a period of sanctions imposed by the PSSI due to previous incidents of unrest. Whereas the match itself ended in a draw, the overwhelming display of support resonated deeply with Sakti and the players.
“Hopefully, the PSSI can grant amnesty so that Persela supporters can return to the stadium for the next home game,” Sakti said, as reported by JPNN.com Jatim. “The presence of supporters has a sizeable influence on the team’s performance compared to playing in an empty stadium.”
Persela, founded on April 18, 1967, currently competes in the Championship, the second tier of Indonesian football. The club plays its home matches at Surajaya Stadium, which has a capacity of 12,097. The team is owned by PT Persela Jaya, and Bima Sakti currently serves as head coach. The club won the Championship in the 2024-25 season, finishing fourth in the Championship Round (Group Y).
The impact of fan support is not lost on club leadership. Teguh, chairman of LA Mania (a Persela supporters group), described the recent match as “a cure for longing” after a prolonged absence from the stadium. The return of fans provided a much-needed boost to the atmosphere at Surajaya Stadium, something Sakti believes is crucial for the team’s success.
“The tension of the match is very different when Notice spectators in the stadium compared to playing without supporters,” Sakti explained. He emphasized the importance of a vibrant home atmosphere in driving the team forward.
The club’s current squad, as of February 4, 2026, includes players like Duta Atapelwa (defender), Jhon Mena (forward), Luan Sérgio (midfielder), and captain Hendro Siswanto (midfielder). Several players are currently on loan from other clubs, including Titan Agung from Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung and Herwin Tri Saputra from Semen Padang. The team is a mix of Indonesian and international talent, aiming to climb the Championship table.
While the team is focused on improving its league position, the issue of supporter access remains a priority. Sakti’s appeal to the PSSI underscores the vital role fans play in the club’s identity and success. The hope is that a positive response from the football association will allow Persela Lamongan to once again experience the full force of its passionate fanbase.
The situation highlights a broader conversation within Indonesian football regarding stadium safety and supporter behavior. The PSSI’s sanctions were a direct response to previous incidents of unrest, and any decision to lift those sanctions will likely be contingent on assurances from the club and supporters groups regarding future conduct. The league is balancing the desire to create a welcoming atmosphere for fans with the need to maintain order and safety at matches.
Persela’s next challenge will be to translate the renewed energy from the friendly match into positive results in the Championship. The team will need to overcome its current winless streak and navigate a competitive league landscape. With the potential return of its supporters, Persela Lamongan is hoping to turn the tide and begin its ascent up the standings.
The club’s history, while not filled with consistent top-flight success, is marked by a dedicated fanbase and a strong local identity. The tragic death of goalkeeper Choirul Huda in 2017 remains a poignant memory for the club and its supporters, underscoring the deep emotional connection between the team and the community. The current leadership is striving to build on that legacy and create a sustainable future for Persela Lamongan.
As Persela Lamongan looks ahead, the support of its fans will be critical. Bima Sakti’s plea to the PSSI represents more than just a request to fill the stands; it’s a call to restore a vital part of the club’s identity and reignite the passion that defines Persela Lamongan.
The next confirmed action for Persela Lamongan is their upcoming match in the Pegadaian Championship 2025-2026. Details regarding the date, time, and opponent will be announced by the league shortly. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and analysis.
What are your thoughts on the potential return of Persela Lamongan supporters? Share your opinions in the comments below!
