Solo, Indonesia – Persis Solo delivered a resounding 3-0 victory over Bali United at Stadion Manahan on Thursday evening, a result that not only thrilled fans ahead of the Lebaran holiday but, crucially, lifted the club out of the Liga 1 relegation zone. The match marked the complete of Persis Solo’s matches during the month of Ramadan, and was witnessed by a high-profile group including team owner Kaesang Pangarep and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
The atmosphere at Stadion Manahan was electric as Persis Solo sought a crucial three points. Dejan Tumbas opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, followed by a brace from Bruno Gomes (41′, 90+10) to secure a convincing win. The victory moves Persis Solo to 20 points in the Liga 1 standings, enough to climb out of the drop zone and into 15th place, while Bali United remains in 10th with 33 points.
The presence of Jokowi and Kaesang added another layer of significance to the match. Kaesang Pangarep, who recently became the General Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI), was visibly relieved after the final whistle. He admitted to feeling “very tense” during the game, speaking to Kapolresta Solo Kombes Catur Cahyono Wibowo after the match.
“Tegang sekali tadi, haduh,” Kaesang said, expressing his anxiety during the contest. His relief was palpable as the final whistle blew, confirming Persis Solo’s escape from immediate relegation danger.
Jokowi, the seventh President of Indonesia and father to Kaesang, was equally pleased with the outcome. When asked for his assessment of the match, he offered a succinct, “Ya, bagus bagus,” – meaning “Yes, very decent” – to the assembled media outside the stadium. He also graciously accommodated fans requesting photographs, smiling as he left the venue.
This victory is particularly significant for Persis Solo, a club with a passionate local following. The team’s struggles this season have been well-documented, and the threat of relegation loomed large. The win against Bali United provides a much-needed boost in morale and offers a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the Liga 1 campaign.
Kaesang Pangarep, who purchased the soccer team in his hometown, expressed his hopes for continued success. “Amin (out of the relegation zone),” he stated, acknowledging the importance of the result. He emphasized the need for consistent performance, stating, “Main bagus terus,” (continue to play well) and affirming his desire for the team to remain in Liga 1 with a simple, “Njih” (yes).
The win wasn’t just about points on the board; it was a moment of shared joy for the city of Solo. The match was also attended by Mahendra Agakhan Thohir, further highlighting the growing interest and investment in the club. The combination of strong performances on the pitch and high-profile support from influential figures like Jokowi and Kaesang is creating a positive momentum around Persis Solo.
For Bali United, the defeat represents a setback in their pursuit of a higher league position. Despite remaining in the top half of the table, the loss underscores the competitive nature of Liga 1 and the importance of consistency throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Persis Solo will be aiming to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the Liga 1 standings. The remaining matches will be crucial as they strive to secure their place in the league for next season. The support of their passionate fanbase, coupled with the leadership of Kaesang Pangarep and the presence of figures like Jokowi, will undoubtedly play a vital role in their efforts.
The next match for Persis Solo is yet to be announced, but fans will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see their team in action again, hoping for another performance that brings joy to the city of Solo.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on Liga 1 and the progress of Persis Solo throughout the season.
