Persija fans celebrate long-awaited win

JP/Mulkan Salmona

Hundreds of Jakarta-based Persija supporters, known as Jakmania, express their joy during a celebration at City Hall (photo above). The celebration on Tuesday was in honor of Persija's successful championship run in the Indonesian Soccer League which culminated on Sunday with a 3-2 defeat of PS Makassar.

Persija fans had waited more than two decades since their last championship celebration.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso, who is Persija's chief patron, said on Tuesday that the winning team would share Rp 1.5 billion (US$166,666) in cash bonuses.

"Some Rp 500 million will be donated by several businessmen while the remaining Rp 1 billion is already in Persija's coffer," Sutiyoso, who is also the soccer team's patron, told reporters.

He said Persija's board of patrons had provided the fund days before Sunday's final and not any pence came from his belongings.

Sutiyoso joined the victory celebration along with Persija players and supporters.

The win on Sunday before President Megawati Soekarnoputri capped Persija's unbeaten run dating back in the final eight round-robin round in Makassar, where it finished on top of the eastern group.

Persija also triumphed in the Brunei Invitational League tournament in Bandar Seri Begawan late in August. -- JP