As the 2025/2026 Pegadaian Liga 2 season approaches, Persipura Jayapura, Papua’s most iconic football club, is preparing for battle with renewed ambition, bolstered by a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent. The team has launched its preseason training camp in Yogyakarta with a clear mission: to reclaim its status as a powerhouse of Indonesian football and reignite the pride of the Papuan people.
A Legacy to Uphold
Persipura Jayapura, affectionately dubbed Mutiara Hitam (The Black Pearls), is not just a football team—it is a symbol of identity and unity for Papuans across the archipelago. The club has a storied legacy, having won multiple top-tier national titles and producing some of Indonesia’s finest footballers. However, since their relegation from Liga 1, Persipura has faced a turbulent path, missing promotion in previous seasons and prompting widespread calls for revitalization.
Now, as the club enters the 2025/2026 season, the management, coaching staff, and players are embracing the opportunity for redemption. With the full support of fans and stakeholders back home, Persipura is determined to mount a serious challenge in Liga 2 and return to its rightful place in the top flight of Indonesian football.
Squad Composition: Blending Experience with New Blood
According to official announcements, Persipura has finalized a formidable 35-player squad for the season. Eighteen players from last season have been retained, highlighting the coaching staff’s commitment to continuity and cohesion. Notably, club legend Ian Louis Kabes, who has dedicated two decades to the team, remains a central figure—serving as both a veteran presence on the field and a mentor to younger players.
“Ian is not just a player; he’s the soul of Persipura. His loyalty and leadership inspire everyone,” said head coach Tony Ho during the team’s departure to Yogyakarta.
Not only Kabes, but another icon, Boaz Solossa, also returned to wearing the red and black uniform. The legendary striker, who is Persipura’s all-time top scorer, has also been confirmed to extend his contract. “Boaz Solossa remains with Mutiara Hitam this season. Red and Black in the Heart,” said the club’s upload, which was greeted enthusiastically by loyal supporters.
To enhance competitiveness and tactical flexibility, Persipura has recruited 17 new players, including three foreign signings: Takuya Matsunaga (Japan, transferred from PSBS Biak), Artur Jesus Vieira (Brazil, transferred from Deltras Sidoadjo FC), and another whose identities have stirred excitement among fans. The newcomers bring additional depth and international experience, expected to lift the overall quality of the team and provide alternatives in key positions.
Yogyakarta Training Camp: A Crucial Phase of Preparation
On July 2, the team officially departed for Yogyakarta, where they will undergo an intensive training camp in preparation for the league opener. The choice of Yogyakarta is strategic—offering high-quality facilities and a competitive environment to simulate match-day pressures.
“This training camp is essential for developing chemistry, evaluating tactical setups, and building physical endurance,” said Coach Tony Ho. “Our target is not just to compete—we aim to dominate.”
The coaching team has also emphasized psychological conditioning, recognizing the mental burden of expectation that Persipura players carry. In recent seasons, high pressure and inconsistent performance have undermined campaigns. This time, a more holistic approach is being implemented.
Support from Home: Papuan Spirit in Every Step
Back in Jayapura, the excitement is palpable. Local media, football communities, and fans have rallied behind Persipura, recognizing that a strong performance this season could reignite a wider revival of football across Papua. In a region where sport often bridges societal divides and promotes youth empowerment, Persipura’s success holds deeper significance.
The Papua Provincial Government and local business entities have expressed support, with ongoing discussions about infrastructure development, talent academies, and grassroots programs aligned with the club’s vision. For many young Papuans, Persipura remains the ultimate dream, and its resurgence offers hope amid broader social challenges.
Restoring Glory, Rebuilding Hope
The 2025/2026 Liga 2 season promises to be fiercely competitive, with several other historic clubs vying for promotion. However, Persipura is entering the campaign with a clear message: the Black Pearls are ready to shine again.
The leadership of Ian Kabes, the tactical vision of Coach Tony Ho, and the blend of emerging and experienced talent provide a strong foundation. If the team can translate its preparations into results on the pitch, Persipura may not only secure promotion but also reignite a football revolution in Papua.
For now, the eyes of an entire region remain fixed on Yogyakarta, where the dreams of a people are being shaped one training session at a time.
Conclusion
Persipura Jayapura’s preparations for the 2025/2026 Liga 2 season mark a determined effort to restore the club’s legacy and uplift the pride of the Papuan people through football. With a strong mix of veteran leadership, new signings, and focused training in Yogyakarta, the team is committed to not just competing—but earning promotion back to the top tier. More than a football campaign, this is a mission to reignite the spirit of Papuan football and inspire a new generation across the region.
