PSSI's Hardline Message: Possibility of Reimposing Away-Supporter Ban, With Point Deduction Warning

Jakarta, October 13, 2026. At a press conference, PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir made it clear that the possibility of reimposing the away-supporter ban cannot be entirely ruled out. After almost four years, away supporters were allowed to travel this season, but two serious violent incidents occurred almost immediately after that decision. One involved an attack on Persib Bandung's Elite Pro Academy (EPA) convoy, and the other on Persija Jakarta supporters. In this situation, the federation is now considering tough measures—including a full away ban and point deductions for clubs found responsible. At the press conference, Erick Thohir said, 'We are giving the opportunity for agreement first, but if there is no result, we will definitely take firm action.' This statement makes it clear that PSSI stands at the threshold of a decision that will deeply impact the atmosphere, commercial structure, and supporter culture of Indonesian football. The first incident occurred at Batang KM 360, a rest area. Persib Bandung's EPA team convoy was attacked during their journey. The second incident occurred on the Palikanci Toll Road, where Persija Jakarta supporters were attacked. Both incidents happened outside stadiums—one at a rest area, the other on a highway. This geographical location is highly significant, as it indicates that the problem is not confined to inside stadiums; rather, the main risk lies in the supporters' travel routes. The history of the away-supporter ban is long. For nearly four years, away supporters were prohibited from traveling to opposing teams' stadiums in Indonesia. This season, that ban was lifted, and supporters were once again given the opportunity to travel long distances with their beloved teams. But within just a few months, these two violent incidents occurred, leading the federation to question whether the decision to lift the ban was premature. Erick Thohir himself said, 'This was the first time it was given, and then incidents happen again. Where is the deterrent effect?' Within this question lies PSSI's new strategic position. The federation is no longer just issuing warnings; they are clearly indicating that if clubs and league operators fail to fulfill their responsibilities, PSSI will intervene directly. Erick Thohir said, 'I will give agreement first, yes, but we will definitely take firm action.' Within this sentence lies a subtle strategic message—PSSI wants clubs and league operators to provide a solution first, but if they fail, the federation itself will take control. On the issue of point deductions, Erick Thohir was even more explicit. He said, 'Point deductions now... we will definitely take firm action.' This statement could set a new precedent in Indonesian football. Generally, point deductions are used for financial irregularities or rule violations, but point deductions for supporter violence are comparatively rare. If this decision is implemented, it will be marked as a major change in Indonesian football's disciplinary system. However, there is a major problem behind this hardline stance. The away ban is essentially a blunt instrument—it can suppress the symptoms of the problem, but is unable to solve the root cause. As the incidents prove, violence is occurring outside stadiums—at rest areas, on toll roads, on highways. If the away ban is imposed, supporters will no longer be able to go to stadiums, but no measures will be taken to prevent violence on their travel routes. As a result, the problem could move deeper—into uncontrolled environments where police surveillance becomes even more difficult. Analysts believe that a cyclical danger is emerging in this situation. The ban was lifted → violence occurred → the ban is reimposed → supporters become angry → violence again. Each time this cycle turns, the trust relationship between supporters, clubs, and the federation will be further damaged. Erick Thohir's question 'Where is the deterrent effect?' is as valid as it is dangerous—because it indicates that the federation may be walking a path that will not solve the problem but make it more complex. In this situation, Persib and Persija are at the greatest risk—the two biggest and most popular clubs in Indonesian football. Their supporter base is enormous, and their rivalry is known as Indonesia's 'El Clasico.' If disciplinary measures are taken against these two clubs, it will not only affect the clubs themselves but also the entire league's commercial structure. Broadcasters place special importance on matches involving these two clubs, and sponsors are also interested in being associated with these matches. Point deductions or an away ban could severely damage this commercial appeal. Even more concerning is the attack on the EPA convoy. The Elite Pro Academy is essentially a youth development program—where young players train and dream of becoming future stars. An attack on such an academy team's convoy means that violence is no longer limited to senior team supporters; it has also targeted the youth development system. The message to families is very clear—your child could face danger while playing football. This realization could have long-term negative effects on the talent development of Indonesian football. Media and public opinion pressure is now at its peak. Since the press conference, Indonesian football media has been extensively discussing this issue. Supporter groups are also active—some in favor of the ban, some against it. This division could deepen further if PSSI takes a decision that appears biased against a specific club. The idea of selective punishment—punishing only some clubs while letting others go—could intensify regional tensions further. However, within this crisis, there is also an opportunity. Erick Thohir's comment about 'moving toward criminality' suggests that PSSI may want to coordinate with law enforcement agencies. If violence is considered not just a football-related problem but criminal activity, the involvement of police and other security agencies will increase. This multi-agency approach could bring a more sustainable solution—where not just bans, but effective measures such as convoy security, police escorts, schedule changes, etc., can be implemented. This is also an important test for league operators. PSSI has made it clear that they will first give league operators and clubs the opportunity to create a safety framework. If this opportunity is used correctly, a positive precedent could be set in Indonesian football. But if they fail, the federation will intervene directly—and that intervention will be severe. The question now is whether PSSI's hardline stance will solve the problem or make it more complex. History suggests that bans never solve the root cause of violence; they only suppress the symptoms. The anger among supporters, rivalry, regional hostility—all these have social and cultural roots that cannot be solved by bans alone. However, understanding Erick Thohir's position is not difficult either. As the chairman of the federation, he is under public pressure. Violence has occurred, the media is condemning it, supporters are outraged. In this situation, not taking tough measures would make him appear weak. So he is taking a hardline stance—but whether that toughness will be sustainable in the long term remains to be seen. The coming weeks will be extremely important for Indonesian football. During the deadline set by PSSI, clubs and league operators must create an effective safety framework. If they succeed, the away ban can be avoided. But if they fail, a dark era will begin again in Indonesian football—where supporters cannot travel to distant matches, stadium atmosphere will be lost, and the true joy of football will be diminished. It is time to learn from this crisis. Indonesian football's supporter culture is one of the most vibrant in the world. Their passion, enthusiasm, and love make football come alive. But when this passion turns into violence, it becomes harmful for football itself. PSSI should keep the door open for dialogue with supporters alongside tough measures, listen to their concerns, and identify and address the root causes of violence. As it has been said, 'The first byline arrived before the first truth did; I kept both in a rented booth.' The same applies to Indonesian football—let not the byline come before the truth, but let the root causes of the problem be identified first. A ban can be one solution, but it is not the only solution. The real solution lies in the development of supporter culture, modernization of security systems, and awakening a sense of responsibility in every member of the football family. The coming days will determine the fate of Indonesian football. Will clubs and league operators take the right steps after hearing PSSI's hardline message? Will supporters be able to control their emotions? Or will that dark chapter begin again? Time will tell. But one thing is certain—Indonesian football now stands at a crucial crossroads, and every decision taken at this crossroads will determine the football fate of the coming years.