Hooligans invade Jakarta

Hooligans invade Jakarta

Traditionally the most popular sports in the country, the
national soccer league matches have always attracted fanatics.

This week, as the quarterfinal rounds of the Djarum Soccer
League takes place in Jakarta's Bung Karno Sports Complex in
Senayan, thousands of hooligans from Central Java, East Java,
South Sulawesi and Jakarta swarmed the capital.

As their four teams -- PSM Makassar, Persebaya Surabaya, PSIS
Semarang and Persija Jakarta -- are fighting it out on the field,
youngsters from the four cities created another battlefield near
the sports complex.

Most of them headed to Jakarta with barely any money. More
often than not that they end up committing crimes and causing
unrest in the city.

Photo caption 1

JP/ P.J. Leo
LUNCH BREAK: Supporters of PSIS Semarang who came all the way
from Central Java enjoy their lunch in front of Al-Bina mosque at
the Bung Karno Sports Complex, Senayan, South Jakarta.

Photo caption 2

JP/Mulkan Salmona
BREAKING IN: A fan of Persebaya Surabaya who tries to break into
the match venue for free is held back by several military
personnel.

Photo caption 3

JP/R. Berto Wedhatama
ON GUARD: PSM supporters coming from Makassar, South Sulawesi
stand across from the Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan after
a brawl with fans from Surabaya. They carry sticks and anything
that can serve as a weapon.

Photo caption 4

JP/Mulkan Salmona
RUN! JUST RUN!: Persebaya fans run as Makassar hooligans hurl
stones at them. Earlier, a fight between the supporters of the
two opposing teams that injured several people took place even
before the game had began.

Photo caption 5
JP/R. Berto Wedhatama
BUS RIDE: Dozens of supporters of Jakarta team Persija take a
public bus, occupying all possible space in it, including the
roof top, risking their own lives.