Role of Football Behind 1998 Reforms in Indonesia

Abstract

This research discuss link between football and the 1998 reform movement in Indonesia. The 1998 reforms movement and football became linked each other because of Indonesia president, Soeharto, factor.

Soeharto, who was the target of the 1998 reform movement, in fact also has a close relationship with Indonesian football.

The link between Soeharto and football manifestated in Arseto Solo. Arseto is football club owned by Suharto's eldest son, Sigit Harjojuanto. Not only being a club owner, Sigit also had become one of the PSSI officials.

In other ways, chaotic situation struck Indonesian football. In 1997, Indonesia affected by the economical crisis. As a results, football scandalous and cheating became a shortcut taken by referees and players who at that time were having financial difficulties. This conditions become the igniter of supporters' anger.

The crisis situation in football was considered as a form of failure of the New Order that was so closely attached to national Football federation (PSSI). Almost all the top management in PSSI are people who have the same political factions as the New Order.

All these conditions make supporters act destructively. The action was the beginning of a series of riots in May 1998 that hit Indonesia and caused Soeharto to resign.

Finally, this research will raise issues around the relationship of football with politics in Indonesia. This research will also answer research questions about how football supporters driven 1998 reforms movement?