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'Jakmania' celebrate Persija victory with parade
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Thousands of Persija fans called Jakmania thronged Jakarta's main thoroughfares in a parade on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018. The fans celebrate their beloved soccer club's first victory of the Go-Jek Liga 1 in 17 years. (JP/Seto Wardhana)
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housands of fans thronged Jakarta's thoroughfares to celebrate the long-awaiting victory of the capital’s Persija soccer club in a parade starting from Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium to City Hall on Saturday.
The fans, known as Jakmania, had gathered in the stadium since earlier that morning to join the parade, which was led by Persija players who rode on an open double-decker Transjakarta bus.
Jakmania departed the stadium at 9 a.m. in their orange costumes while carrying flags and other Persija attributes.
Fans joined the parade on buses, cars and motorcycles while some happily walked while playing snare drums and singing the club’s victory song.
The club claimed the Go-Jek Liga 1 winner title earlier this month after a long 17-year wait from their last victory in the country’s soccer premier league.
"This victory is important because we had to wait for 17 years. The energy here is unbelievable and the togetherness of Jakmania is just amazing," said Luut Rado, 41, a Jakmania who had brought along his three children on a motorbike.
Nur Fauzi, 20, a cleaner for the GBK sports complex, said that he "doesn't mind if [the GBK] gets a little bit dirty".
"The important thing is that I can see all of my Jakmania friends celebrate like this. I'm just really happy to witness it," Fauzi said.
The parade ended at City Hall where the players and fans were greeted by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, who held a welcome party to commemorate Persija’s victory. (mai)
