Authorities apprehended dozens of Persija Jakarta's supporters for taking part in the club's victory celebrations at Bundaran HI earlier this morning.
Persija was crowned as the champions of the 2021 Menpora Cup after winning 2-1 in the second leg of the final against long-time rivals Persib Bandung at Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java last night, bagging a 4-1 win on aggregate.
After the win, Persija supporters poured into MH Thamrin Street in the direction of Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta, most of them either riding motorbikes or walking, as they sang their lungs out, unfurled banners and lit flares. Officers from the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) were then deployed some time after midnight to disperse the crowd.
Large gatherings are prohibited under the "micro" version of the Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities (PPKM), which is still being enforced in the capital. In several videos uploaded to @tmcpoldametro at midnight, the crowd can be seen carrying orange Persija flags and banners.
"Sixty-five people were apprehended, which consisted of 52 students, 12 children, and one adult woman," Jakarta Metro Police spokesman Yusri Yunus said today.
Jakarta Metro Police's Operations Bureau Chief Marsudianto also said that authorities were not notified prior to the victory celebration.
Police are now seeking the person responsible for organizing the Jakmania – the nickname for Persija supporters – to hold the public gathering last night, as they plan to summon the group's committee and Persija's management. Yusri said police have yet to find online evidence calling for the gathering.Meanwhile, the supporters, who have been gradually released from police custody since this morning, told authorities that the celebrations were spontaneous, explaining that they headed to Bundaran HI soon after Persija clinched the title because that's a known spot for celebrating the club's wins in the past.
Organizers of the Menpora Cup have urged supporters to cheer for their clubs from home since the competition started, with the Jakmania official fanclub among those issuing a similar statement just last night, noting that supporters should adhere to COVID-19 restrictions to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.