Hundreds of Bonek Mania to be returned to Surabaya by Train

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Some 350 Persebaya club supporters, Bonek, is scheduled to be returned to Surabaya at Thursday noon, Aug. 4. They have been staying in Jakarta for the past three days to organize protest in several points in North Jakarta to demand PSSI in acknowledging the existence of the club.

Public Relations Sub-division Chief of the North Jakarta Resort Police Department, Commissioner Sungkono, say they will be escorted home by train from Pasar Senen Station, Central Jakarta.  “They are scheduled to depart at 2 p.m. today,” Sungkono said in Jakarta on Thursday, Aug. 4.

Sungkono say they’ve departed from Tugu Stadium, North Jakarta in 15 buses at 8:50a.m. using tight police escort.  Bonek members stayed at the stadium for the last three days.  “They are led by Andi Peci,” he said.

Bonek will be escorted by 40 Brimob personnels of the East Java Regional Police Department and 15 intelligent personnels of Surabaya Resort City Police Headquarter.  They will also be escorted by 91  Metro Jaya Police Department Traffic Directorate personnels until leaving the Jakarta area.  “Supporters have left Tugu Koja Stadium, North Jakarta.  The situation is currently safe and conducive,” said Sungkono.

Hundreds of Bonek supporters started a protest on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in a number of locations in Jakarta.  They protested at Tugu Stadium, North Jakarta, and Mercure Hotel, Ancol, demanding PSSI to acknowledge the existence of Persebaya club in official matches.

ABDUL AZIS