Viking Persib Club and Bonek Supporters Distance Themselves After Surabaya Incident

Bandung, Indonesia – A long-standing and often celebrated brotherhood between the supporters of Indonesian football clubs Persib Bandung and Persebaya Surabaya is facing a significant strain. Viking Persib Club, one of Persib Bandung’s largest supporter groups, has announced it will temporarily suspend the use of the slogan “Viking-Bonek Satu Hati” (Viking-Bonek One Heart) following a series of incidents stemming from their recent Super League match and subsequent interactions in Surabaya.

The decision, announced Friday, reflects growing concern over escalating tensions between the two fan bases. The situation unfolded around Persib Bandung’s away match against Persebaya on March 2nd at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, which ended in a 2-2 draw. While the match itself was competitive, the atmosphere surrounding it quickly deteriorated, spilling over into events that have prompted Viking Persib Club to reassess its relationship with Persebaya’s supporters, known as Bonek.

Reports indicate that chants mocking Persib supporters were heard inside the stadium and quickly spread across social media, signaling a breakdown in the previously harmonious relationship. The tension escalated when representatives from Viking Persib Club, who had traveled to Surabaya with the intention of maintaining friendly ties with Bonek supporters, were reportedly attacked. This visit was particularly poignant, as it was intended to honor the legacy of the late Ayi Beutik, a former leader of Viking Persib Club who consistently advocated for peace and mutual respect between the two supporter groups.

According to Viking Persib Club, the attack resulted in injuries and financial losses for their members, including the theft of personal belongings such as phones, clothing and work funds. The organization also condemned acts of intimidation and vandalism that accompanied the incident, deeming them unacceptable and contrary to the spirit of football fandom.

“The presence of Viking Persib Club representatives in Surabaya was a form of trust and a moral message from our predecessors, especially the late Ayi Beutik,” a statement from Viking Persib Club read. “He messaged that the brotherhood between Bandung and Surabaya must be maintained.”

The incident has sparked widespread disappointment among fans who have long cherished the “Viking-Bonek Satu Hati” slogan, which symbolized a rare example of unity and camaraderie in Indonesian football, a landscape sometimes marred by rivalry and violence. The decision to put the slogan on hold is not seen as a permanent severance, but rather a necessary step to allow tensions to cool and for both groups to evaluate the path forward.

This isn’t the first instance of friction between the two supporter groups, but the recent events appear to have crossed a line. The escalation of animosity from online arguments to physical confrontation has prompted Viking Persib Club to prioritize the safety and well-being of its members. The club’s leadership has expressed regret that the situation has deteriorated to this point, and hopes for a swift resolution.

The broader implications of this rift extend beyond the two supporter groups themselves. The relationship between Persib Bandung and Persebaya Surabaya has historically been a significant factor in the Indonesian Super League, and any disruption to that dynamic could impact the overall atmosphere of the competition.

Bos Persib (Persib’s boss) has expressed sadness over the situation, hoping for a quick return to harmony between the two supporter groups. The club is likely to monitor the situation closely and work with league officials to ensure the safety of fans at future matches.

For now, Viking Persib Club is maintaining a distance from Bonek, choosing to “rest” the “Viking Bonek Satu Hati” slogan while conducting an evaluation of the relationship. The club has not specified a timeline for when it might reconsider its position, but has emphasized its commitment to peaceful and respectful interactions with all football supporters.

The next match for Persib Bandung is scheduled for March 10th against Dewa United at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung. It remains to be seen whether the tensions with Bonek supporters will impact the atmosphere at the match, or whether the club will take any additional security measures.

Archysport will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.