The landscape of Indonesian football is shifting in Pasuruan Regency, East Java, as Persekabpas—a club steeped in local pride—enters a new era of leadership. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Gaung Andaka formally handed over the management of the club to the Bupati (Regent) of Pasuruan, M. Rusdi Sutejo, signaling a significant transition aimed at bolstering the team’s prospects and achieving promotion to Liga 2. This change in leadership comes after a period of evaluation and a recognition of the challenges facing the club, with a clear ambition to elevate Persekabpas to a higher level of competition.
Founded on August 28, 1985, Persekabpas, short for Perserikatan Sepak Bola Kabupaten Pasuruan, has long been a symbol of sporting passion for the region. Known affectionately as “Laskar Sakera” – a moniker derived from a local Pasuruan hero – the club currently competes in the Liga Nusantara, the third tier of Indonesian football. The handover represents more than just a change in administration; it embodies a renewed commitment from local government to invest in the club’s future and unlock its potential. The ambition to reach Liga 2, the second tier, is a key objective for the incoming administration, reflecting the aspirations of both the club and its dedicated fanbase, known as Sakeramania.
A Smooth Transition of Leadership
The transfer of authority took place at the Bupati’s office, with Gaung Andaka providing a comprehensive report on the team’s current condition before passing the baton to M. Rusdi Sutejo. According to reports, the decision to transition leadership was driven by a desire to address recent challenges and chart a new course for the club. Gaung Andaka expressed his hope that under the new leadership, Persekabpas would finally achieve its long-held goal of competing in Liga 2. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s identity and its deep roots within the Kabupaten Pasuruan community. The ownership structure of Persekabpas remains with the internal askab (regional association) of Kabupaten Pasuruan, ensuring the club remains a locally-driven entity.
Bupati M. Rusdi Sutejo accepted the responsibility with enthusiasm, pledging to assemble a robust and professional management structure. He underscored the significance of Persekabpas not merely as a football club, but as a source of pride for the entire Kabupaten Pasuruan community. “This isn’t just about a football club; it’s about the pride of the people of Pasuruan Regency,” Sutejo stated, emphasizing his commitment to building a competitive and sustainable organization. As a symbolic gesture of the transition, Gaung Andaka presented Bupati Sutejo with a Persekabpas jersey bearing his name, marking the beginning of this new chapter.
Historical Context and Recent Performance
Persekabpas boasts a history marked by both successes and challenges. The club has participated in various levels of Indonesian football, including reaching the Divisi II (third tier) in the 1990s and early 2000s. A notable achievement came in 2003 when they secured the championship of Divisi II, earning promotion to Divisi I. In 2006, Persekabpas came close to reaching the final of the Liga Indonesia, narrowly losing to PSIS Semarang in a tense match at Manahan Stadium in Solo. According to Wikipedia, the club’s home stadium is Stadion R. Soedarsono in Pogar, Bangil, Kabupaten Pasuruan, with a capacity of 10,000 spectators.
More recently, Persekabpas has focused on strengthening its position within regional competitions. In 2018, they finished as runners-up in the Liga 3 Jawa Timur (East Java League 3), and in the 2023/24 season, they secured third place. These results demonstrate the club’s potential and its ability to compete at a regional level, providing a foundation for future success. The passionate support of Sakeramania, the club’s dedicated fanbase, plays a crucial role in motivating the players and creating a vibrant atmosphere at home matches. Sakeramania is known for its distinctive orange colors and displays featuring a globe with a crown, symbolizing Persekabpas’s ambition and regional dominance.
The Role of Local Government and Stakeholders
The involvement of Bupati M. Rusdi Sutejo signifies a heightened level of commitment from the local government to support Persekabpas. The meeting at the Bupati’s office included key figures such as Rohani Siswanto, Chairman of TP3D (Team for Acceleration of Development) Kabupaten Pasuruan, Suryono Pane, CEO of Pasuruan United, and Bayu Aji Handayanto, President of Pasuruan United. This demonstrates a collaborative approach, bringing together various stakeholders to contribute to the club’s development. The presence of representatives from Pasuruan United, another local football club, suggests a potential for synergy and cooperation within the region’s football landscape.
The discussions during the meeting centered on the transition of management, strengthening the club’s structure, and, crucially, the target of achieving promotion to Liga 2. This focus on Liga 2 reflects the ambition to elevate Persekabpas to a more competitive level and provide greater opportunities for local players. The new management team is expected to develop a comprehensive plan to address the club’s financial stability, improve its training facilities, and enhance its scouting network to identify and nurture local talent. The long-term vision is to establish Persekabpas as a sustainable and successful football club that represents the pride of Kabupaten Pasuruan.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Liga 2
The immediate challenge for the new management team will be to assess the club’s current resources and develop a strategic plan for the upcoming season. This will involve evaluating the existing squad, identifying areas for improvement, and securing the necessary funding to support the team’s ambitions. Building a strong and cohesive team will be essential, as will fostering a positive and supportive environment for the players. The support of Sakeramania will undoubtedly be a key factor in motivating the team and creating a winning atmosphere.
The path to Liga 2 will likely involve navigating a competitive landscape within the Liga Nusantara and potentially participating in promotion playoffs. Success will require a combination of skillful players, effective coaching, and a well-organized management structure. The commitment of Bupati M. Rusdi Sutejo and the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders provide a promising foundation for Persekabpas to achieve its goals. The club’s history, passionate fanbase, and the renewed focus on professional management all contribute to a sense of optimism for the future.
The next steps for Persekabpas will involve announcing the new management structure, outlining the club’s strategic plan, and preparing for the upcoming Liga Nusantara season. Fans and stakeholders will be eagerly awaiting further updates on the club’s progress and the implementation of its ambitious plans. The focus now shifts to building a brighter future for Persekabpas and realizing its potential as a leading football club in East Java.
As Persekabpas embarks on this new chapter, the club’s journey will undoubtedly be closely followed by football enthusiasts throughout the region. The commitment to professional management and the unwavering support of the community provide a strong foundation for success. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions for Persekabpas’s future in the comments below.
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