Prepare the Players' Mentality: Igor Tolic Describes the Persija vs Persib Match at GBK as a Special Fixture

Persib Bandung is set to compete in one of the most anticipated matches of the 2nd week of the 2026/27 Super League. Head coach Igor Tolic has described the upcoming fixture against Persija Jakarta at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on 12 September as a special match.

For Tolic, facing Persija at their home ground is far from an ordinary away game. The stadium atmosphere, the long-standing rivalry between the two clubs, and the support of tens of thousands of fans give this fixture, known as the Indonesian Derby, its own distinct pressure.

"This is always a special match. I remember being in Bekasi two seasons ago, at Patriot Stadium. But playing at Persija's official home ground is something very special for us," Tolic told members of the press during the official kick-off ceremony for the 2026/27 BRI Super League in Jakarta.

Tolic is very familiar with the character of matches between these two clubs. However, this upcoming fixture carries different context, as Persija will finally host Persib back in Jakarta after a very long wait.

Return to SUGBK After Seven Years

Persija last hosted Persib at SUGBK Jakarta on 10 July 2019, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

Since that fixture, all of Persija's home matches against Persib have been held outside Jakarta. Last season, the side nicknamed Macan Kemayoran hosted Pangeran Biru at Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

For this reason, the 12 September match will bring back the derby atmosphere that has been missing from the capital city for several years. SUGBK is expected to be filled entirely with Persija supporters there to back their team.

Tolic acknowledges that psychological readiness will be one of the critical factors in this match. Playing in a large stadium in front of tens of thousands of opposing fans requires full concentration and emotional stability.

However, Tolic assessed that Persib's experience competing in Asian continental competitions over the last two seasons has given the squad a strong foundation to handle high-pressure match atmospheres.

"We must prepare mentally to remain composed when playing in that full stadium. We have already played many matches across Asian competitions, and that experience will help us get through difficult fixtures like this much more smoothly," concluded the Croatian coach.