The Jakarta provincial government has breathed new life (and much-needed funds) into the capital’s soccer team Persija. Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama has agreed for the city to buy most of the club’s shares from the current management firm, PT Persija Jaya Jakarta.
This means that Persija’s debts of around Rp 1.8 billion accumulated over the last few years can now be paid off. This includes salaries owed to players and coaching staff.
Now, the provincial government wants Persija to set its sights on winning the Indonesia Super League within the next five years.
“With the current roster that we have, I think we have a squad of potential champions,” said Persija President Ferry Paulus at City Hall yesterday, as quoted by Merdeka.
The provincial government, as the new majority shareholder in Persija, is planning a massive restructuring of the club.
These include the building of new training facilities, accommodations for players and a sports lab.
“But we’ll see in the next 10 to 20 years,” Ferry said.
While money doesn’t always equal success in sports, this latest move by the provincial government would at least ensure the well-being and happiness of the players and coaching staff. Who knows, maybe then Persija can challenge for the Indonesia Super League title in a couple of years?
