Following a disappointing 2024/25 Liga 1 Indonesia campaign, Persija Jakarta have swung the axe on their underperforming squad and are preparing for a massive rebuild ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The Macan Kemayoran, widely expected to be title contenders, endured a dismal second half of the season, managing just three wins in their final 15 matches. The slump saw them finish 7th in the league, leading to the dismissal of head coach Carlos Peña on May 1. Ricky Nelson stepped in as caretaker for the final four games, ending the season with a goalless draw against Malut United on May 23.
Persija’s collapse coincided with reports of unpaid wages, which were later confirmed by Nelson. He emphasized, however, that the club’s management had since taken steps to settle outstanding salaries to ensure financial stability heading into the new season.
In response to their underwhelming campaign, the club initiated a sweeping rebuild. The first major move was the appointment of head coach Mauricio Souza, who had previously guided Madura United to the Championship Series in 2023/24. Despite this achievement, Mauricio’s hiring was met with skepticism from fans, many of whom expected a marquee name akin to Thomas Doll or Peña. The doubts were compounded by Mauricio’s brief and unsuccessful stint with Brazilian third-tier club Guarani, where he was dismissed after just two matches.
What followed next was one of the most dramatic clear-outs in recent Liga 1 history. Eleven players were released, including aging striker and fan favorite Marko Šimić, as well as squad players Yandi Sofyan, Resky Fandi, and Akbar Arjunsyah. Foreign imports Maciej Gajos, Ramón Bueno, and Pablo Andrade were also let go, along with Czech veteran Ondřej Kúdela—another cult hero among supporters.
The exits of key players like Muhammad Ferarri, Syahrian Abimanyu, and Firza Andika, however, sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Ferrari’s departure is especially notable, as his dual role as a player and Indonesian National Police officer has put newly promoted Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung in pole position to sign the young defender.
The decision to part ways with such a large number of players appears to be a calculated effort to free up space on the wage bill and give Mauricio the flexibility to build a squad that aligns with his tactical philosophy. Persija’s management seems determined to turn the page and usher in a new era built on long-term planning and structural reform.
As Mauricio Souza gets to work reshaping Persija’s identity, fans will be watching closely to see whether this gamble pays off. For a club with a rich history and passionate support, the 2025/26 season represents more than just redemption—it could be the dawn of a bold new chapter in the Macan Kemayoran’s legacy.