Bhayangkara FC: A Journey of Name Changes, Success, and Relegation

Sunday, April 21 2024 – 05:06 WIB

Jakarta – Bhayangkara FC’s journey in League 1 finally had to stop. The club, which changed its name several times, was officially relegated to League 2.

This cannot be separated from the draw between Persik Kediri and Persita Tangerang. The two teams drew 1-1 in the League 1 continuation at the Brawijaya Stadium, Kediri, Saturday 20 April 2024.

Plus, Bhayangkara had to suffer defeat at Bali United headquarters. The Guardian lost 1-2 at the Captain I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar.

Bhayangkara is stuck in 17th position with 23 points from 32 matches. With two matches remaining, they cannot catch up with Persita Tangerang (33) who occupy the safe zone.

Winning and Relegation

There is something interesting when talking about Bhayangkara FC. This club often changed its name and home base, then had the chance to win League 1 before finally having to be relegated.

The forerunner to this club occurred in 2010, Vigit Waluyo and Wishnu Wardhana, PT Mitra Muda Inti Berlian (MMIB) took over Persikubar West Kutai and changed it to Persebaya Surabaya so that Surabaya would have representatives in the official PSSI league.

At that time, Persebaya dualism occurred. Persebaya 1927 competed in the Indonesian Premier League (LPI) while the MMIB version of Persebaya appeared in the Indonesian Super League (ISL).

Due to dualism, the MMIB version of Persebaya had to change names. In 2015 alone, they changed their name three times from Persebaya United, Bonek FC to Surabaya United. That’s because the patent rights for the logo and name are in the hands of Persebaya 1927, a subordinate of PT Persebaya Indonesia.

Bali United vs Bhayangkara FC

On April 13 2016, this club merged with PS Polri and changed its name to Bhayangkara Surabaya United.

On September 8 2016, they changed their name to Bhayangkara FC. With this name, they appeared in the 2016 Indonesia Soccer Championship (ISC) and emerged as 2017 League 1 champions.

On November 27 2020, the club changed its name again to Bhayangkara Solo FC. However, this plan was canceled based on the 2021 PSSI Congress.

Then, on June 30 2023, they changed their name to Bhayangkara Presisi Indonesia FC. However, the name Bhayangkara FC is still attached to Liga 1 for the 2023/24 season.

Bhayangkara FC has changed home base several times. They were based at Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo, Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, Patriot Stadium Bekasi, and PTIK Stadium, Jakarta.