Tangerang –
Trainer Belitong FC Ardiles Rumbiak regrets the action racism received by himself and his players when competing against Persikota at the Benteng Stadium, Tangerang City, last Wednesday (23/2). The player that Ardiles is referring to is Rivaldo Wally aka Valdo.
“Me and Valdo, we are both Papuans. I am very disappointed today with Persikota Tangerang supporters and Persikota players. They say we are monkeys, they say we–(cheering)–with voices that sound like monkeys, surely everyone knows Yes, I think it’s all an act of racism,” Ardiles said in his statement to reporters, Friday (25/2/2022).
According to him, this act of racism does not only concern two individuals, but the Papuan people at large. Ardiles asked Persikota Tangerang to respect the diversity of race, ethnicity and religion in Indonesia.
“Me and my player Valdo, we are Indonesians, so please respect. Our hair is curly, our skin is black but we are still Indonesian. I am very disappointed, my family is very disappointed, Papua’s big name was tarnished by racism today, I speak This is firm,” added Ardiles.
Ardiles firmly asked that racism be stopped, especially in the world of football. For that, Ardiles said his party would complain about this to PSSI.
“Please stop racism in the world of Indonesian football, please stop. From Sabang to Merauke, we are both Indonesians. I will definitely make (the report), on behalf of myself, because this concerns the dignity of us Papuans,” he said.
Tangerang Persikota Response
Contacted separately, Persikota Tangerang Manager, Mahdiar, denied the allegations of racism. Mahdir said he was confused by the accusation of racism.
“From the beginning of the match as hosts, we all respect the visitors or our opponents. I am confused about what Belitong FC said about what happened,” said Mahdiar when contacted by detik.com, Friday (25/2/2022).
According to him, Belitong FC was overreacting by considering the shouting – which was considered superficial – as an act of racism. Persikota Tangerang as the host felt that there were never any problems during the match.
“What they hear is also incomplete, they explain themselves on their IG that they ‘look like’, they are still unclear. What they catch is their perspective which is very subjective. But what they are talking about is already too much,” he said.
On the next page: explanation of the organizing committee.
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