Bandung Celebrates, Persib Wins "Deui"

When the final result of the BRI Liga 1 2024/2025 match between Persik Kediri and Persebaya Surabaya ended 3-3 and was met with a cold response from their supporters in Kediri, East Java, a party erupted in Bandung City, West Java. The draw made Persib Bandung one of the most successful clubs in Indonesia.

With this result, Persib, which has a score of 64, can no longer be caught by its closest competitors, Persebaya and Dewa United. Both teams only have 54 points and three matches remaining. If they win all their matches, both Persebaya and Dewa can only accumulate a total of 63 points.

Knowing the calculations, when referee Muhammad Iqballuddin ended the match in Kediri, 600 kilometers away from Bandung, dozens of Persib players who were watching together at Graha Persib, Bandung, all shouted with joy.

"Champion, champion, champion. Campeone, campeone, campeone," the Persib players chanted over and over again.

There are no national and cultural boundaries separating them. Spanish forward Tyronne del Pino, Brazilian defender Gustavo Franca, Filipino goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza, and Bandung-born attacking midfielder Bechkam Putra celebrated the moment together.

They wore uniforms that said “Champion Deui (again)”. As a replacement for the trophy that had not been given, they celebrated using a two-dimensional cardboard trophy.

Persib captain Mark Klok, who was about to head home when the first half of the match ended with a score of 3-1 in favor of Persebaya, also joined the celebration.

Klok stated that he had planned to head to Jakarta when Persebaya was leading 3-1. However, when the score changed to 3-2, he chose to stay put even while still in the car. Klok was confident that the match would end in a draw.

"It turned out to be true. In the last moment, the score became 3-3. I ran out of the car to join my colleagues to seize the moment of Persib's championship again," he said.

"I did not expect the match to end in a draw. I am very proud of the players, the club management, and of course the supporters. Now it is time for us to celebrate," added Klok.

The players did not want to celebrate alone. Not long after, they came to the balcony of Graha Persib to greet Bobotoh, the name for Persib supporters. At that time, there were many Bobotoh, spilling out into the parking lot and the streets.

Representing the players and coaching team, Achmad Jufriyanto expressed his gratitude to all the bobotoh who continue to support Persib through this year's challenging Liga 1 season. Without them, said Jupe, his nickname, this achievement would not have been realized.

Persib, said Jupe, went through a tough season. A storm of injuries hit Persib since the beginning of the season.

"Thank you Bobotoh. The party is not over yet. Let's continue our celebration for this Friday's match at home against Barito Putra," said Jupe, who this season plays both as a player and as one of the coaching staff.

Bobotohalso expressed the same gratitude. Nandi Setiawan (35), a Padasuka resident, said, Persib gave the most beautiful gift throughout this year. Although not always watching directly, Persib gave pride as one of its supporters.

"This year is tougher. The players are no longer young. Many players are injured. But thank God Persib is still the champion," he said proudly.

In addition to the players, Suhendar (45), a supporter of Persib from Kawalu, Tasikmalaya, stated that credit must be given to Coach Bojan Hodak. Despite the limitations in player availability, he has still managed to lead Persib to victory, even though the league has not yet officially concluded.

"Players can leave but Hodak must remain here (Persib)," he said.

Both players and supporters have the right to be happy. This victory marks the establishment of many new records. Previously, Persib won championships in 1994/1995, 2014, and 2023/2024.

With four titles, Persib has also equaled the achievement of Persipura, which has four Indonesian League trophies. This means that Persib is officially entitled to place four stars above the club logo on its proud uniform.

This year, Persib also won the championship for the first time through a full competition. In the previous three editions, Persib always secured the championship through the final round.

Players can leave but Hodak still has to stay here

It is also reasonable for Hodak to be celebrated. This year, after becoming the first foreign coach to lead Persib to victory in the 2023/2024 season, he now follows in the footsteps of coach Indra Thohir, who was able to retain the title.

Previously, Indra Thohir was the last champion in the era of the Perserikatan in 1993 and a year later led Persib to victory at the beginning of the Indonesian League.

Senior player Victor Igbonefo has also set a record. He became the only player to lift the Indonesian League trophy for the fifth time.

With Persipura, the 39-year-old player won three times. While with Persib, he came out as the winner twice.

The Deputy Governor of West Java, Erwan Setiawan, was also present at the Graha Persib to celebrate this historic moment. He promised to provide bonuses for the players and coaches who achieved this accomplishment.

"Today Persib is again the champion of the Indonesian League. Back to back champion. I would like to thank the management, players, coaches, supporters and fellow journalists who supported Persib to achieve this proud result," said Erwan.