Long before the final whistle blew at Stadion Lukas Enembe on February 15, 2026 afternoon, the excitement in the stands was like its own heartbeat. Thousands of fans dressed in black and white had gathered, chanting in unison and staring at the field where Persipura Jayapura was about to put on one of the best shows of its Liga 2 Penggadaian campaign.
The score of 4-1 in favor of Persipura Jayapura over Barito Putra was more than just a number. It was a sign of what they wanted to do. A new spark of passion. An affirmation of a dream that had driven this proud club for decades: to return to Liga 1 BRI, the top tier of Indonesian football, and represent Papua once again on the national stage.
The stadium was full of energy. Fans had already filled every seat before the game even started. Many stood along the terraces, waving flags and beating drums. Football isn’t just a game for teams like Persipura Jayapura. It is a mix of identity, history, pride, and hope.
That day, the team not only won by a wide margin, but they also lifted the spirits of a community that carries its hopes with every game.
A Bad Start Led to a Great Finish
Both teams played carefully at first in the game against Barito Putra. Barito Putra, a strong team with big goals, wanted to throw off Persipura’s rhythm. However, as the game went on, the home team got more confident, their passing got better, and their chances started to grow.
The crowd went wild when Persipura scored their first goal. It was a well-planned move that ended perfectly. The stadium went crazy, the chants got louder, and all of a sudden the team looked like a group with a goal that went beyond personal glory.
Persipura was ahead at halftime, but both players and fans knew the game was far from over. Both sides came out with more energy at the start of the second half. Barito Putra acted quickly, getting one back and making the match tense.
But Persipura never lost its cool. After that second goal, two more clean finishes came, showing off the players’ training, discipline, and confidence.
The stadium erupted in cheers when the final whistle blew and the score was 4-1. Fans jumped, hugged, and cried. For a lot of people, it was more than a win. It proved that what they believed was true.
The Fans Who Never Stopped
There were fans in the stands that day who had been with Persipura through good times and bad. Some people had seen the club drop down from Liga 1 in the past and felt the pain of that bad luck.
After the last whistle, one fan from a village near Jayapura wiped away his tears. He said that the win gave him hope for both his home province and the club.
He said, “Persipura is more than just a team.” “It’s a part of who we are.” When they win, we all feel good.
Fans talked about how football had brought them together. People had been talking about this match for days in markets, villages, offices, and homes. Kids wore jerseys to school, and even those who didn’t know much about the tactical side of football knew that this was a key moment in Persipura’s campaign.
Return to the Top of the Table
This win put Persipura Jayapura back at the top of the Liga 2 Penggadaian standings. The club knows this position well, even though it hasn’t been able to reach it in the last few seasons.
It can’t be said enough how important it is to be at the top of the table. It puts Persipura in a strong position to win the promotion race. For players, staff, and fans, it shows that hard work and faith are paying off.
The local news said that the crowd at Lukas Enembe Stadium was the biggest ever. Attendance numbers went through the roof, which shows how much Papua loves football. It was a reminder that this club is more than just a team; it also represents the hopes of a whole community.
Showcasing Leadership and Strategy
People said the coaching staff was responsible for the team’s tactical discipline. The way Persipura balanced offense and defense showed that they had spent a lot of time getting ready and had a clear plan for the game.
The coach of Persipura knew what Barito Putra was good at and what his own team was good at. He made changes and substitutions at the right times to keep his team in charge. As the game went on, it became clear how well the players worked together. There were all kinds of creative plays in the midfield, solid defense, and great finishing by the forwards.
A spokesperson for the club said that everyone worked together to win. He said, “This win is for the players, the staff, and most of all, the fans who have always been loyal.”
The Governor’s Hope
The win did more than help the team move up in the standings. It also got public comments from well-known people in Papua. The Governor of Papua was hopeful that Persipura Jayapura’s strong play this season would lead to a return to Liga 1 BRI.
After match, the governor said in interviews that Persipura’s success showed a bigger spirit in Papua: one of strength, hope, and unity. He told his fans that the road to Liga 1 was about more than just sports. It was also about making the region proud, inspiring young people, and being a voice for the region on a national stage.
Fans who see Persipura as a symbol of pride agreed with what he said.
A Time for Redemption
This season has been one of redemption and growth for Persipura Jayapura. The club has had its fair share of problems in the past. It was hard to lose Liga 1 BRI, and everyone involved with the club has had to be patient and work hard to rebuild.
After the game, players said they had learned from past seasons and used their failures as motivation. They said that the help of fans and the guidance of their coaches were two important parts of their success.
One player said that the march toward promotion was not just a job goal, but a personal goal as well. “We carry the hopes of our families and communities.” We want to honor that trust every time we step onto the field.
The Road Ahead
After winning 4-1, Persipura is at the top of the table, but the club knows it will be hard to keep that momentum going. The league is still competitive. From now on, every match is important.
But now there is a sense of confidence, a belief that the team can handle problems and take advantage of chances.
The managers have been careful not to let too much confidence grow. They stress the importance of regular training, mental preparation, and only thinking about one match at a time.
Club officials are also working on logistics and support systems behind the scenes to make sure players stay healthy and ready. This includes recovery programs, getting involved in the community, and making plans for the end of the season.
Young People and Future Stars
One of the most exciting things about Persipura’s campaign has been the help from younger players. The club’s youth academy has produced some talented players, and some of the younger members of the squad have stepped up to the big stage with confidence and energy.
Parents of these young players have said how proud they are to see their kids play in front of full stadiums with thousands of fans cheering them on.
The story of homegrown talent doing well at Persipura inspires young footballers all over Papua.
Identity and Community
Persipura’s success has brought the community closer together outside of the field. Families get together to watch games. Businesses in the area decorate their stores in the colors of the team. Every day, people talk about tactics, players, and upcoming games.
Football gives people in a place where jobs are hard to find a common language of pride and hope.
One older fan said that Persipura’s wins make him happy in ways that go beyond sports. He said, “When Persipura wins, it feels like the whole province wins.” “It brings us together and gives us hope.”
The Big Picture
The campaign for Persipura Jayapura is about more than just getting promoted. It shows how sports can change people’s lives by bringing them together, bridging gaps, and creating a sense of community.
The club’s comeback is more than just sports at a time when national unity and regional representation are very important. It has meaning.
Not only fans in Papua will be watching Persipura’s journey to Liga 1 BRI this season, but also football fans and communities all over Indonesia.
The story they are writing is already important, whether they get promoted or have to deal with new problems. It shows strength in the community, resilience, and how sport can still inspire people.
Conclusion
Persipura Jayapura’s 4-1 win over Barito Putra was a turning point for the team. It brought the club back to the top of the Liga 2 Penggadaian standings and gave them new hope for moving up to Liga 1 BRI in the future. But more than just the numbers and rankings, it brought people together, made them feel like they belonged, and gave them faith in what can be done when passion meets preparation.
The faces of fans in the stands at Stadion Lukas Enembe told a story of pride. Players showed their pride on the field by how well they played. And in the hearts of people all over Papua, the hope that Persipura can rise again is stronger than ever.