Top-flight football is returning to Lampung for the first time in six years as Bhayangkara Presisi Indonesia FC has signed an agreement with the provincial government to relocate to Bandar Lampung for the 2025/26 Liga 1 Indonesia season.
After a season in the second tier, Bhayangkara has been promoted back to Liga 1 and aims for a long-term presence in Lampung, rebranding themselves once again—this time as Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC.
The agreement was signed on April 22nd in Jakarta during a press conference between Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal and Bhayangkara’s new CEO, Police Inspector General Agus Suryonugroho. As part of the deal, Bhayangkara will call the Sumpah Pemuda Way Halim Stadium in Bandar Lampung their new home, develop their own infrastructure in the region, and scout local talent to be nurtured through their academy.
Governor Rahmat expressed that Bhayangkara’s move to Lampung represents a mutually beneficial partnership. While still a relatively new club in Indonesian football, Bhayangkara has quickly established itself as a top contender, with the 2017 Liga 1 title and several top-half finishes. Lampung, a province passionate about football but long lacking proper representation in the top two tiers, stands to benefit greatly from the club’s presence.
Historically, the last two teams to represent Lampung in Liga 1 or Liga 2 were Lampung Sakti FC and Badak Lampung FC. Both clubs garnered significant local support during their time, but ultimately fell victim to mismanagement, leading to their demises in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
In contrast, Bhayangkara has proven to be a well-managed club under the stewardship of the Indonesian National Police, securing major sponsorships from state-owned enterprises. However, despite their success on the field, they have struggled to build a dedicated fanbase, with matches often drawing sparse crowds. Their ties to the police and the controversies surrounding their 2017 Liga 1 title have made them a divisive presence in the eyes of many football fans across Indonesia.
Agus, who also serves as Indonesia’s Chief of Traffic Police, highlighted Lampung’s untapped footballing potential. He emphasized that the province’s passionate fanbase would play a crucial role in Bhayangkara’s efforts to grow the sport in the region.
Signs of this symbiotic relationship are already emerging. Just hours after Bhayangkara’s relocation was announced, former supporters of Lampung Sakti and Badak Lampung quickly united to form the Elbhara supporters group. The group aims to provide unwavering support to Bhayangkara as they settle into their new home.
In addition to the relocation deal, Bhayangkara secured a new jersey partnership with Samarinda-based apparel company Etams on April 22nd. Etams, which has previously supplied kits for Borneo FC Samarinda and is currently producing jerseys for Arema FC and Persela Lamongan, will take over from Mills, the former kit supplier for the Indonesian national team. This marks the end of Bhayangkara’s four-year partnership with Mills.
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, Bhayangkara is set to assemble a star-studded squad with the aim of challenging for the title just one year after their promotion. The club already boasts a strong lineup, including players such as Dendy Sulistyawan, Putu Gede Juni Antara, Awan Setho, and Ilija Spasojevic. They are also targeting top talents like Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Rafael Struick, and Saddil Ramdani, while exploring the possibility of reappointing former head coach Paul Munster.