Precis

Can you imagine your favourite footy team getting to a game in an armoured personnel carrier? Ever been to a match where the visiting team’s fans are banned?

Such is the fear and violence infecting “the beautiful game” in our near neighbour Indonesia.

Indonesia is like, insane – Marko Simic, Croatian playing for Jakarta’s team Persija

Riot cops with automatic weapons are as much fixtures as goal posts. Brawling is the norm among the militias of fans and their commanders. Rumours of match-fixing swirl, fuelling crowd anger.

Everyone wants to watch the game - but then you see the enemy and then you fight – Andibachtiar Yusuf, filmmaker and Persija Jakarta fan

About 75 fans have been killed in soccer violence in the past 25 years. In a recent eight-month period, 16 died. Thousands more have been injured.

He never asked for trouble. He was just watching a game – mother of 23-year-old Ari, Jakarta Persija fan who was beaten to death by dozens of Bandung supporters

When fights erupt amid flashes of smoke flares and thunder of drums, games are stopped mid-way. Recently the entire league competition was suspended for a fortnight.

It’s got so bad that some football fans are prepared to see the game shut down indefinitely.

Football in Indonesia has become a graveyard, not entertainment. Supporters’ lives should never be sacrificed for our love of football – Akmal Marhali, head of NGO Save our Soccer

Correspondent David Lipson immerses himself among “Jakmania” - the Persija Jakarta fans who are as fiery as any in Indonesia - in their race for the championship title. His quest is to understand what drives such violence in a mostly Muslim nation that forswears alcohol.

The word “amok” originates from this part of the world and was first recorded in the 17^th century. It resonates today. In Running Amok, Lipson explores a fundamentalist fandom that’s become the ugly face of football Indonesian-style.

Story intro.
Aerial. Football stadium. GFX:
Foreign Correspondent

[chanting]

00:00

Crowd at football match

DAVID LIPSON:  Forget Brazil, Barcelona or Manchester.  This is Indonesian football.

00:05

Supporters

MARCO SIMIC:  “Indonesia is like insane. 

00:13

Simic

The fans here are one of the craziest in the world”.

00:17

Fan with Persijia tattoo

DAVID LIPSON:  For millions, football here is a reason to live.

00:20

Vusuf

ANDIBACHTIAR VUSUF:  It’s more than life.  (laughter)

00:25

Fans/Police at match

DAVID LIPSON:  And far too often, a reason to kill   It’s one of the world’s most deadly leagues to be a fan. 

00:27

Fans fight

Since 1994, 74 supporters have died in soccer-related violence. 

00:37

Woman fans in stadium

In this Muslim nation, it’s not alcohol, but ice-tea fuelling the fervour of fan mania. 

00:45

Fans with smoke bombs. GFX:
amok
adverb
behave uncontrollably and disruptively
origin
Indonesia/Malaysia

Tonight, inside the stadium of a football league running amok.

00:56

GFX:  FOREIGN CORRESPONDENT

01:06

Drone shot. Boot camp. Super:
Jakarta, Indonesia

[chanting]

01:12

Men training at boot camp. Super:
reporter
David Lipson

01:25

Men running along road, singing. Title:
Running Amok

01:38

Men at boot camp

DAVID LIPSON:  It’s 7 o’clock on Sunday morning – boot camp in the backlots of Jakarta.

01:48

Irlan addresses men

IRLAN ALARANCIA: To voice your opposition, you must be strong, mentally and physically.

01:54

Men lined up for boot camp drill

DAVID LIPSON:  They look like a militia, loyal to their commander.  But these are just football fans.  These drills are about getting their team to win, and getting home alive.

02:04

Persija Jakarta fans at football match

DAVID LIPSON:  They are supporters of Jakarta’s one and only football club – Persija Jakarta.  They are millions strong, and call themselves “Jakmania”.

02:26

Irlan donning Persija scarf

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  For me Persija is everything.

02:47

DAVID LIPSON:  Jakmania commander Irlan Alarancia’s group is known as Garis Keras, literally the Hardliners.

02:52

Irlan interview

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  It’s Persija until death.  There’s no such thing as an ex-supporter.  Once a supporter, it’s forever.

03:01

Irlan exits tea shop. Club members walk and sing

DAVID LIPSON:  Every club has dozens of commanders like Irlan.  They lead small armies of fanatical foot-soldiers to matches across the Indonesian archipelago.

03:07

Lipson by fan bus

DAVID LIPSON:  Well, it’s just after midday.  They’ve already walked through the streets here in Jakarta.  They’re cramming onto this bus on their way to a match.  Permissi!

03:25

Fan bus en route to match

DAVID LIPSON:  The Indonesian Liga Satu – or First League – is made up of 18 clubs.  Rivalries between fans can be fierce, and violent.

03:37

Irlan interview

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  When we first started we didn’t have any enemies.  Because Jakmania got bigger and bigger, we were bound to get enemies.

03:50

Vikings with smoke bombs and banners

DAVID LIPSON:  Jakmania’s arch rivals are the Vikings, from the neighbouring city of Bandung.  The clubs share a history of battles, both on and off the pitch.

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  When I first joined Jakmania,

04:04

Irlan interview

there were fights because of the rivalry with our neighbours.  This happened several times, especially when I was young and hot headed.

04:23

Fans arrive at match. Security guards frisk fans. APC arrives carrying players

DAVID LIPSON:  Not only are the fans in danger, the players are regularly transported to games in armoured personnel carriers. 

04:35

Security guard

To many outsiders, Indonesian fan-mania is stranger than fiction.

04:49

Film Festival red carpet

Music

04:55

Vusuf on red carpet

DAVID LIPSON:  Andibachtiar Vusuf is one of Indonesia’s biggest filmmakers.  As a proud Jakartan, football is in his blood.

05:03

Vusuf interview 

ANDIBACHTIAR VUSUF:  For me, football changed my life.  It’s been my passion.  I used to be the same like them.  I think back in 2001 I was there with my stick and fought.  My passion to football I transferred it into my film.

05:13

Excerpt from Vusuf's film. Super:
‘The Jak’ 2007

DAVID LIPSON:  His first movie, The Jak, featured a baby-faced, but clearly militant Irlan.

05:32

Excerpt from film. Irlan

IRLAN ALARANCIA:   Don’t mess with us Jakartans.  You know what will happen!

ANDIBACHTIAR VUSUF:  Irlan is very passionate. 

05:40

Vusuf interview 

As far as I know, he used to be an Islamic fundamentalist, but now he’s a Persija fundamentalist.

05:47

Vusuf's film screens in cinema

DAVID LIPSON:  Each of Yusuf’s 12 films, including recent hit Love for Sale, features the world game. 

05:54

Excerpt from film. Super:

‘Romeo and Juliet’ 2009

A take on Shakespeare highlighted the sometimes violent Jakarta/Bandung rivalry.

- The jak…!!!

06:02

Vusuf interview 

ANDIBACHTIAR VUSUF:  In 2008 I shot Romeo and Juliet.  It’s basically Romeo and Juliet, but with Jakarta’s boy and the Bandung’s girl.  

06:12

‘Romeo and Juliet’ excerpt

And then Bandung people said “You can’t screen your film here”. I think because it was made by Jakartans. 

06:19

Vusuf interview 

But then my producer said why don’t you go to Bandung and ask them politely to watch your film, so we can release it there.

06:24

‘Romeo and Juliet’ excerpt

I went there. 

06:31

Vusuf interview 

But they were waiting for me in the café downstairs.  I went down and tried to invite them, and then we fought!

06:34

In Indonesia, everyone wants to watch the game, but then you see the enemy and then you fight.

06:43

Drone shots over mosque and houses

ARI’S MOTHER:   It was early on Sunday morning.  He got a message when he was still asleep.  He read the text, then showered and put on his clothes – nice and clean.  I asked him, “Ari, where are you going?”  He said, “I’m going to my friend’s house.”

DAVID LIPSON:  Among the maze of alleyways in the southern suburbs

06:47

Mirah and Siloam at home with Ari's clothes

of Jakarta live Mirah and Siloam Sirla.  Their son Haringga – or Ari – was  a Jakmania diehard.

07:17

ARI’S MOTHER:   Central Java, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Solo,

07:27

Ari's mother interview

he’d always go anywhere to watch football.

07:33

Alleyways painted with Persija and Persib Bandung graffiti

DAVID LIPSON:  September 23, 2018.  Persija Jakarta is playing its arch rivals, Persib Bandung.  To head off any violence, Jakmania fans are banned from attending.

07:35

Re-enactment. Ari boards train

ARI’S MOTHER:   I just trusted him because when was going to the football, he’d get ready the night before.  He’d wear the team jersey, but this time he didn't because he was going to Bandung.

07:54

DAVID LIPSON:  23-year old Ari goes to Bandung incognito, hoping to support his beloved Persija.

08:10

Crowd sets upon Ari

Instead, he is fingered as a Jakmania member, by arch rival Viking fans.  He is set upon by a mob.  In a few mad minutes, Indonesian football fanaticism claims another life.

08:27

Ari's mother interview

ARI’S MOTHER:   (crying) I can’t bear to think of him being there.  I can’t do it.  He was my son.  Why did this have to happen to Ari?  A good boy becoming a target.  Just for watching a football game.  He was a good buy, he wasn't looking for trouble.  He just loved watching football.

08:49

Police search and question fans

DAVID LIPSON:  Several of the alleged attackers are quickly rounded up by police.

09:17

ARI’S FATHER:   When I look at their photos I really hate them. 

09:28

Ari's father interview

If I ever saw them, I would hit them.  And if necessary, I’d kill them too. 

09:32

Drone shot. Empty football ground

DAVID LIPSON:  In full damage control, the entire league is suspended for a fortnight. 

09:43

Viking fans watch match on TV

Viking fans are banned from attending matches for the rest of the season.  The club is forced to play its remaining home games in a closed stadium, 1,300 kilometres away, in Kalimantan, Borneo.

09:57

Roni interview

RONI “BOCHUNK” SURYADI (Viking):   It's painful, really painful, torture to be honest.  Honestly for me, Bandung Persib is like my second wife.

10:16

Viking fans watch match on TV

10:27

Driyono press conference

DAVID LIPSON:  Joko Driyono is the vice president of this league under siege.

10:34

Driyono interview. Super:
Joko Driyono

DAVID LIPSON:  How did you feel when you watched the video of Ari’s death for the first time?

10:43

JOKO DRIYONO:  Yeah, that’s so sad, we feel very sorry on that.  Everybody…  never expecting it will happen and hope that it’s the last case that we want to see.

10:47

DAVID LIPSON:  You’ve had dozens of deaths in recent decades.  How can you say that no-one expected the death of Ari?

JOKO DRIYONO:  In Ari’s case actually, the league have a policy.  No away fans come to Bandung.   No-one’s expecting that Persija fans come to Bandung.

11:08

Kids play football on street

11:33

DAVID LIPSON:  Akmal Marhali, the head of local NGO ‘Save Our Soccer’, says he would rather see the game shut down than another life lost.

11:44

Akmal interview

AKMAL MARHALI:   This is a very ugly tradition for Indonesian football.  It’s sad the federation doesn’t have a solution.  Loss of life at a football match is considered normal.

11:54

Kids play football on street

DAVID LIPSON:  Haringga was the seventh fan killed at games between Bandung and Jakarta since 2012.

12:04

Akmal interview

AKMAL MARHALI:   Football in Indonesia has become a graveyard, not entertainment.  74 supporters have died – that's not an achievement, that's a tragedy.

12:14

Drone shot. Bali coastline. Bali GVs

12:26

Groundsman hangs flag on football ground

DAVID LIPSON:  It’s been two months since Ari’s death.  And while the league has recommenced, its very survival remains on tenterhooks. 

12:47

Bali United football stadium

With two games remaining, Bali United is preparing for a Jakmania invasion. 

12:56

Team training. Nick on ground

Dutch import Nick Van der Veldan isn’t expecting any trouble.

13:05

Nick interview

NICK VAN DER VELDAN:   In Bali, you don’t need a lot of police because we’re one of the most relaxed supporters there is, you know?  They’re only about the football game and nothing else.  And I like that a lot.

13:12

Denpasar airport. Ari's family

DAVID LIPSON:  At Denpasar airport, Ari’s family have just arrived as guests of Jakmania.

13:24

Ari's mother at airport interview

ARI’S MOTHER:   Flying made me nervous.  It was my first time and I wasn’t used to it.  When I took my seat I felt queasy.

13:33

Ari's father at airport interview

ARI’S FATHER:   This T-shirt was given to me by Jakmania, who made it to remember Haringga.

13:42

Fans travelling to Bali football match

13:54

DAVID LIPSON:  The match is a sell-out, 20,000 fans descending on the Bali stadium. 

14:12

Lipson to camera outside stadium

DAVID LIPSON:  This is the moment.  Thousands of Jakmania fans have made it across the sea to the island of the gods, the home of Bali United.  For Jakarta, if they lose this match tonight, well that’s the end of their season.  You can feel it in their air, the energy.

14:28

Fan vox pops

MALE FAN:  It’s incredible that Jakmania is here.  We welcome them.

14:47

MALE FAN:  Even if Jakmania wins, it’s okay, it’s just a game.  We have to enjoy football.  What’s important is it’s safe.

14:53

Fans drinking alcohol

DAVID LIPSON:  In Hindu Bali, alcohol is readily available and many are pre-loading.

15:00

Match security, police, razor wire

Music

15:13

Drunken fans, fight breaks out

DAVID LIPSON:  Most are welcoming, but tension spills over between some rival fans.

15:26

Lipson to camera outside stadium as fight erupts

This is what you call a friendly match in the Indonesian soccer league.  This fight has just broken out.  Well, the teams are meant to be mates, their fans are meant to be mates.  But as you see, people are trying to tell us to turn off the camera.  It’s a sensitive issue.  They know the league could be shut down…

MALE:  Please, please no camera, okay?

15:42

Jakmania fans in stadium

DAVID LIPSON:  In the wake of Ari’s death, Jakmania leaders called for calm.  Another death could see their beloved Liga Satu shut down indefinitely.

16:00

IRLAN ALARANCIA:   It’s our job as leaders to calm things down, otherwise it could get much worse.  If rival fans cross into our territory, we don’t want them beaten up by a mob.

16:16

Irlan interview

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  The death of Haringga is one of Jakmania’s greatest sorrows this year.  His family is feeling a great loss and so are we. 

16:34

Game commences

16:45

Ari's parents in stadium

DAVID LIPSON:  As the game gets underway, Ari’s parents have box seats.

16:51

Ari's mother

ARI’S MOTHER:   If my son were here, he would be happy, singing along with the crowd and clapping his hands just like the others. 

16:58

Persija scores goal. Crowd goes mad

DAVID LIPSON:  Persija scores first – sending the Jakmania fans wild. 

17:21

Flares burning in Bali United stands

Within minutes, it’s the Bali United stands that are really set alight. 

17:34

It’s not jubilation, but white-hot anger.  A rumour is spread that the match has been fixed and they are blaming their own team officials.  The game is stopped.

17:48

Game resumes

The match comes back on, but only briefly.

18:25

Flares  burning. Crowd chanting

CROWD CHANTING:   Mafia Dogs!  Mafia Dogs!  Mafia Dogs!

DAVID LIPSON:  Mafia dogs, they shout.

18:32

Lipson to camera on edge of ground

DAVID LIPSON:  The game is going on.  The riot police are all standing by, and the Bali United Fans continue to cause chaos.  It’s constant fireworks, flares.  I don’t know how the players are still going on.

18:54

Game continues

19:16

Van der Veldan holds up scarf to crowd

DAVID LIPSON:  Finally, it’s full time.  Persija Jakarta 2 / Bali United 1.  The Bali United fans won’t accept the result.  They are still livid.  Save Our Soccer’s Akmal Marhali says match fixing is rife across the league.

19:28

Akmal interview

AKMAL MARHALI:   Before the game starts, the fans already know the result.  When it happens, it makes them furious.  Match fixing is a chronic disease in Indonesia, a cancer of the bone that must be amputated.

19:59

Driyono ii

DAVID LIPSON:  We put it to the league’s vice president.

DAVID LIPSON:  How corrupt is Indonesian football?

20:17

JOKO DRIYONO:  It’s potentially, as you said, corruption and so on.  It may happen in football.  And we have to be more strict, otherwise we are just standing around and around.  Never progressing.

20:22

Return to boot camp

DAVID LIPSON:  It’s the last day of the season.  Persija Jakarta sit atop the table.

20:40

Irlan interview

DAVID LIPSON:  Irlan, big day?

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  Big day, big moment.   Big everything!

20:56

Boot camp

DAVID LIPSON:  Irlan’s Hardliners will join 80,000 other supporters in a fan-mania event of epic proportions.  This is what they’ve been training for.

21:06

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  Today Persija will get three points.  We’ll lift the trophy and we’ll party.

21:20

IRLAN ALARANCIA:  I hope our dreams and prayers over 17 years will come true.  That Persija will be champions and lift the trophy so we can be proud. 

21:29

Irlan interview

This past week I haven't been able to focus on my work.  I can only focus on Persija.

21:42

Boot camp girls sing

GIRLS:  (singing) This past week I haven't been able to focus on my work.  I can only focus on Persija. I raise the flag of Persija.

21:51

Drone shot of stadium/Crowd sing

Today I will get three points. Jakmania is ready to party. I love Persija forever”

21:59

Lipson to camera

DAVID LIPSON:  Well, this is it!  After 17 years in the wilderness, this is Jakarta’s moment.  And what a wall of noise that is.  You can feel the drums beating through your chest.  This city of almost 30 million people has succumbed to Jakmania.

22:55

Game commences

DAVID LIPSON:  Kick off. 

23:18

20 minutes into the first half, Persija Jakarta is awarded a penalty kick. 

23:31

They take the lead 1 – 0. 

23:48

Game continues

As the second half gets underway, Persija control the field.  Jakmania control the stadium. 

23:54

Outside crowd streaming into stadium

Outside, the police have lost control. 

24:09

Lipson to camera among crowd

DAVID LIPSON:  Well, the crowd from outside has busted into the stadium, and it’s chaos.

24:14

Fortunately, these fans aren't looking for trouble.  Without tickets, they just want to be part of history.

24:23

Vusuf interview

DAVID LIPSON:  So, where does this passion for football come from?

24:31

ANDIBACHTIAR VUSUF:  Football is a working-class game.  They can escape from what bad things happen in their life.  And it’s very cheap.  Even in some stadiums you don’t need to pay for any ticket to get into the stadium.

24:35

Game continues. Persija scores goal

DAVID LIPSON:  With just minutes to go, Persija is holding on.  A second goal seals victory. 

24:52

Crowd goes wild

25:08

The final score: Persija 2 / Mitra Kukar 1.

25:18

TV interviewer to player

INTERVIEWER:   How do you feel?

PLAYER 1:   We’ve waited a long time for this.  Now it’s time for Jakmania time to celebrate.  Enjoy it!   Be merry!  This is our victory!  This should be celebrated!

25:25

Crowd cheering and chanting

25:38

Player interview

PLAYER 2:  After a long time, we are champions.  It’s unbelievable, this crowd is amazing.  I’m just enjoying it now.  Jakmania is awesome!

25:45

DAVID LIPSON:  Fans, flares, and silverware … Persija Jakarta are champions.

25:59

Irlan in stand

IRLAN ALARANCIA:   Persija!  Thank you!  This win is for those who have sacrificed their lives for Persija!

DAVID LIPSON:  For millions of fans here in Indonesia, the idea of no more football

26:11

Crowd cheering

is their worst nightmare.  That is a distinct possibility unless the league confronts the endemic corruption and fan violence.

26:25

Akmal interview

AKMAL MARHALI:   Football is not a war zone.  It’s a place to watch achievements and excitement, not tragedy.  The football federation must address the safety and comfort of supporters.  So they can just watch football.  No more dead supporters.

26:39

Drone shot over fans leaving stadium

DAVID LIPSON:  For now, it’s time to party.  Jakmania take to the streets.

27:00

Lipson to camera on street

It’s been a long time since Jakmania has tasted victory.  And while over the past few weeks we’ve found the league has got all sorts of problems, for these fans behind me, that’s all been set aside tonight.  They’re celebrating a massive victory and they want everyone to know about it.

27:10

Fans jump into lake

27:27

Fan in water

FEMALE FAN:   I’m so happy!  Because Persija are champions!

27:32

Jakmania guys on street

MALE FAN:   We’ve been waiting for 17 years.   Finally Persija are champions.  Even if people accuse us of match fixing, I don’t care, I only love Persija!

27:40

Fans celebrate

Music

27:56

GFX TEXT OVER shot of Ari and mother:
Six teenage boys have been imprisoned for Haringga’s killing.
Another eight accused of taking part are awaiting trial.

28:19

GFX TEXT OVER shot of Driyono:
An anti-soccer mafia task force is now investigating claims of widespread match-fixing.
The league chairman has resigned.  Joko Driyono is now standing in.

28:28

Credits

Reporter - David Lipson

Producers - Matt Davis, Archicco Guilianno,
Ake Prihantari, Ari Wu

Camera - Phil Hemingway, Matt Davis

Editor - Leah Donovan

Edit assistant – Tom Carr

Executive Producer - Matthew Carney
abc.net.au/foreign

© 2019

28:37

Outpoint after credits

29:02