Pramono's Jest: He Couldn't Sleep After Persija's Defeat to Arema FC

Jakarta - The Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, has admitted to being criticised for devoting too much attention to Persija Jakarta. Pramono even joked that he was unable to sleep after Persija Jakarta lost 0-2 to Arema FC in week 20 of the Super League 2025-2026. He made these remarks during a speech at the Grand Silaturahmi Event for the Betawi Community at the MH Thamrin Museum in Central Jakarta on Sunday (15 February 2026).

Initially, Pramono expressed his desire to establish Betawi as a strong identity for the city. “Ladies and gentlemen, once again, as Governor of Jakarta, I am keen to make Betawi a very strong identity for the city,” he said in his speech.

Pramono then acknowledged the criticism that he is perceived as a governor overly preoccupied with football, particularly Persija Jakarta. He admitted that he couldn’t sleep following Persija’s defeat. “Even now, I am criticised for being a governor who is too focused on Persija. Why should I manage other things? Of course, I manage Persija. Just because they lost 2-0 to Arema, I couldn’t sleep,” he stated.

Pramono went on to jest about feeling annoyed when encountering the Chairman of The Jakmania, Diky Soemarno, due to the loss. “When Persija loses, meeting Diky, the Chairman of Jakmania, oh, it’s so frustrating,” he said.