Bandung, Indonesia – April 26, 2026 – A massive banner reading “Shut Up KDM” sparked debate during the BRI Super League clash between Persib Bandung and Arema FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan API Stadium on Friday, April 24, 2026. The message, displayed by home supporters in the North Stand, drew a direct response from West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi, who addressed the protest in a TikTok video posted the following day.
Governor Mulyadi said he interpreted the banner not as criticism but as a reminder from fans to keep football free from political interference. “I thank the Persib supporters in the North Stand for displaying the banner, whose essence is telling me not to speak about Persib,” he said in the video. “I believe this message comes from a desire to preserve professionalism in football without it being derailed by politics. Thank you — I’ve already been reminded.”
The banner appeared after Mulyadi previously disclosed support from Maruarar Sirait for Persib Bandung, including a reported bonus offer tied to the team’s away match against Dewa United at Banten International Stadium on Monday, April 20, 2026. That disclosure had already fueled online discussion among fans about the potential influence of political figures on club affairs.
Despite the controversy, Persib Bandung entered the match as one of the league’s consistent performers in the 2025/2026 season, with fan groups frequently emphasizing their desire for transparent, sport-focused management. The “Shut Up KDM” message reflected broader concerns among sections of the fanbase about maintaining the club’s integrity amid external commentary.
The fixture itself contributed to the tightly contested BRI Super League standings, where every match carries weight in the race for continental qualification and avoiding relegation. While the result of the Persib-Arema encounter was not detailed in the available reports, the fan action underscored the passion and scrutiny surrounding Indonesian football’s top tier.
As of Sunday, April 26, 2026, Governor Mulyadi’s response has continued to circulate across Indonesian sports media, reigniting conversations about the appropriate role of public officials in relation to professional sports clubs.
