After more than two decades of observing football matches at the stadium, I finally had a rare and unforgettable opportunity to witness a game from the “lounge” of the Bung Karno Main Stadium. It was a truly unique experience, particularly as Persija Jakarta has confirmed their return to the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) for the BRI League 1 2023-2024 season. This match against PSM Makassar on Monday (3/7/2023) night was a positive signal for the “Macan Kemayoran” to continue playing their home matches in our Capital City.
While they have registered the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, as an alternative home stadium for the 2023-2024 season, there’s nothing quite like playing at the grandest football stadium in the country. It is definitely a different vibe compared to other stadiums in Indonesia. The SUGBK is a special place, with unique assets like the lounge situated on the stands on the west side. It’s a facility similar to those in big team stadiums in Europe.
Access to the lounge tribune comes at a cost. Tickets are sold by Persija ahead of the match, but the number (and availability) is very limited. They may not come cheap, with a ticket price of IDR 1 million before additional taxes and ticketing administration, you could be looking at a price of IDR 1,061,177 for the full experience. Yes, it is the most expensive ticket to watch a match in Indonesia’s professional league. But the experience is worth every rupiah.
The lounge is exclusive, reserved for club enthusiasts who can afford such high prices, along with specially invited guests. In fact, there are only 80 seats available in the lounge tribune, all of which are divided into two levels. It’s a truly exclusive experience – an opportunity of a lifetime for football aficionados.
I was fortunate to enjoy the SUGBK lounge during Persija’s match against PSM. This wasn’t just because I’m a journalist who covers the match directly, but because I received an invitation. Let me tell you, it felt like I had won the lottery. And it was no ordinary ticket either. It’s different compared to the general ticket, complete with strict dress code requirements – neat clothes, trousers, and shoes. With those formalities aside, the experience was unlike any other.
The relaxed atmosphere greeted me as I entered the room, a stark contrast to the usual stuffy feeling in the SUGBK stands. No hint of stale air here. The royal box provided an assortment of snacks and drinks, similar to a five-star hotel event. The catering staff were at the ready, ensuring that there was no shortage of delectable snacks and refreshing beverages throughout the game. And when those doors open, the cheers and chants from the supporters fill the room.
The view from this grandstand lounge is truly unmatched. With a glass guardrail in front of the tribune lounge, every spectator can clearly watch the match without any obstruction. It was a perfect view for anyone who wants to watch the match more meticulously and clearly. Every move, every play was on full display – an experience that simply cannot be replicated from the television screen.
The seating was nothing short of luxury. The seats in the lounge stands were the epitome of comfort, with soft foam padding and ample support. But not everyone chose to sit. In fact, Persija President Mohamad Prapanca, PSM Makassar Main Director Sadikin Aksa, and other esteemed guests often preferred to stand and watch. It was a sight to behold – a mix of comfort and camaraderie that made the whole experience even more memorable.
With notable personalities such as Persija Main Director Ambono Janurianto and DKI Jakarta DPRD Chairman Prasetyo Edi Marsudi in attendance, as well as Persija foreign players who were absent from the game, the lounge was buzzing with excitement. A rare experience indeed, one that not everyone can have.
In conclusion, watching Persija from the SUGBK lounge was something that I will cherish forever. It’s an experience that’s truly unforgettable, a chance to watch the game in unparalleled comfort and luxury. Whether you’re a fervent football fan or just someone looking for a unique experience, the SUGBK lounge should be on your bucket list. It’s an opportunity that not everyone can have, and it’s definitely an experience worth having.
So, if you’re ever presented with the chance to watch a match from the SUGBK lounge, grab it with both hands. I promise you, it’s a memory you won’t soon forget.
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