Persija Jakarta Draws with Dewa United Amidst Field Condition Concerns

Jakarta – Persija Jakarta was held to a 1-1 draw by Dewa United in a Super League match held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS). The result extends Persija’s winless streak and raises questions about the playing surface at the stadium.

Match Recap

Persija took the lead late in the first half with a goal from Maxwell Souza. However, Dewa United responded in the 55th minute with a goal from Alexis Messidoro, leveling the score. Persija had an opportunity to regain the lead but a penalty kick by Maxwell Souza was saved by Dewa United’s goalkeeper, Sonny Stevens.

Standings Implications

The draw leaves Persija in third place in the Super League standings with 52 points, trailing Persib Bandung (58 points) and Borneo FC (54 points). Borneo FC and Persib Bandung also drew 1-1 on the same day.

Souza Cites Field Conditions

Following the match, Persija Jakarta coach Mauricio Souza attributed his team’s difficulties to the poor condition of the JIS field. He stated that the field hindered their ability to play their preferred style of play, which relies on ball control and quick movement. Source

“The players know that and they are self-aware. However, the poor condition of the field will not support the game we are trying to play,” Souza said after the match. He further emphasized that the field conditions were unnatural for a match of this caliber.

Recent Form at JIS

Persija’s recent record at the JIS includes six matches with two wins and four draws. Their victories came against Persita Tangerang and PSM Makassar. The four draws were against Malut United, Bali United, Borneo FC, and Dewa United. From these six matches, Persija has accumulated 10 points out of a possible 18.

Souza’s Confidence in the Team

Despite the recent results, Mauricio Souza remains confident in his team’s performance, asserting that they consistently outperform their opponents. Source He challenged critics to identify a single match where Persija was demonstrably outplayed by their opposition. Source

“There is not a single team that comes and is better than us. Even today we were better than Dewa,” Souza stated.

Looking Ahead

Persija Jakarta will need to address the issues surrounding the field conditions at the JIS and find a way to convert their strong performances into victories as they continue their pursuit of the Super League title.