Jayapura – Persipura Jayapura once again affirmed its role not only as a football club, but also as a platform for nurturing national values, unity, and character building among Papua’s young generation within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This spirit was reflected in Persipura’s 1–0 victory over Deltras FC in the continuation of the 2025/2026 Liga 2 season at Lukas Enembe Stadium, Sunday (January 4, 2026).
The lone goal scored by Jeam Kelly Sroyer secured three crucial points for the team known as Mutiara Hitam after a scoreless first half. The win strengthened Persipura’s position in third place of the Group East (Group 2) standings with 29 points from 14 matches, keeping their promotion hopes alive.
Amid fierce competition, Persipura continues to uphold its football philosophy rooted in togetherness, discipline, and a deep sense of love for Papua as an inseparable part of Indonesia. These values are instilled not only in local players but also in every player who joins the Mutiara Hitam squad.
Persipura Jayapura Manager Owen Rahadiyan emphasized that technical and financial considerations in player recruitment must go hand in hand with the club’s identity and values. He stated that every new player is required to demonstrate genuine respect and love for Persipura and Papua as a form of appreciation for local culture and national unity.
“All decisions regarding player selection are in the hands of head coach Rahmad Darmawan. My role is to provide support and maintain a balance between experience in Indonesian football and the club’s financial capacity,” Owen said.
Entering the January 2026 transfer window, Persipura conducted a comprehensive squad evaluation. The club currently has three foreign players—Matheus Silva, Artur Viera, and Takuya Matsunaga. Previously, Persipura released six players: Marinus Wanewar, Fridolin Yoku, Joshua Isir, John Pigai, Elfis Harewan, and Adriano Malibela, as part of its squad restructuring process.
Meanwhile, Persipura head coach Rahmad Darmawan responded calmly to various transfer rumors circulating in recent weeks, noting that such speculation could disrupt the team’s focus as it pursues promotion to the top tier of Indonesian football.
“I don’t want to respond to those rumors,” Coach RD said during a post-match press conference following the game against Deltras FC at Lukas Enembe Stadium, Jayapura, Papua, Sunday (January 4, 2026).
Using a light and satirical analogy, Coach RD compared so-called “swap deal” rumors to sleeping arrangements, emphasizing that in professional football, certainty can only be measured through official contracts signed on paper. Informal communication, he stressed, cannot be considered a valid indicator in the transfer process.
For Persipura, football is not merely about match results, but also a means of shaping character, instilling discipline, and strengthening a sense of national pride. These values serve as an important message to Papua’s younger generation that sport can be a pathway to achievement while simultaneously contributing to unity and national development.
By consistently promoting professionalism, local wisdom, and national spirit, Persipura Jayapura continues to stand as a symbol of Papua’s pride—growing, competing, and achieving for Indonesia.
