Persija Jakarta secured a 2–1 victory against Persik Kediri at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) on Monday, October 26, 2026, propelling the club to the top of the Super League table with 18 points from seven matches.
The home side found themselves trailing early when Persik capitalized on a defensive lapse. In the 10th minute, Imanol Garcia met an outswinging corner kick from the right flank, sending a downward header past the reach of goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata to give the visitors a 1–0 lead, as detailed in reports by Kompas.
Persija struggled to break down a resolute Persik defensive block through much of the first half, forcing attempts from distance such as Ilham Rio Fahmi’s long-range effort in the 42nd minute that drifted wide of the right post.
Second-Half Remontada Secured in Two Minutes
The match turned decisively in the second half. In the 64th minute, Denis Kolinger rose to meet a chipped delivery from Rayhan Hannan from outside the box, directing a header past goalkeeper Husna Al Malik at the near post to level the score at 1–1.
/data/photo/2026/08/29/6a92f3a0475b6.jpeg "Photo: Kompas")
Just two minutes later, Persija completed the turnaround. Kolinger turned provider with a lofted ball into the area, which Rizky Ridho finished off to put the Macan Kemayoran ahead 2–1, sealing a rapid two-minute salvo that stunned the visitors.
Following the final whistle, Persija manager Shin Tae-yong praised his players for their resilience while sharply criticizing the condition of the pitch at the Jakarta International Stadium. In his post-match press conference reported by CNN Indonesia noted that the playing surface fell well short of elite standards and hampered both teams from displaying their best technical football.
Persebaya Triumphs Over Madura United While PSM Draws
Elsewhere in Super League action on Monday, Persebaya Surabaya overcame Madura United 3–1 at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya.
Persik Coach Criticizes JIS Pitch Conditions After Defeat
Persik Kediri head coach Marcos Reina voiced strong frustration regarding the pitch at the Jakarta International Stadium after his side’s narrow defeat. Speaking to reporters alongside defender Marcelo Djalo, Reina argued that the poor grass quality prevented both teams from executing short-passing combinations and forced every goal to originate from dead-ball situations, according to ANTARA News.
“We wanted at least a point, and I believe we deserved it,” Reina said after the match, praising his players for battling hard despite the surface limitations against the league leaders.
The result leaves Persija firmly atop the league standings with 18 points, four points clear of Dewa United and Madura United, who share 14 points. Persebaya climbed to seventh place with 12 points, while Persik Kediri remained ninth with 10 points. Bhayangkara FC sit eighth with 11 points, and PSM Makassar hold 11th position with nine points.
