How an Indonesian Police-Linked Football Club Navigated Legal Battles and Rebranded Multiple Times
In short: Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung F.C. is a professional Indonesian football club with deep ties to the national police. Born from internal club conflicts and a series of rapid rebrandings, the team has navigated legal challenges, controversial championship wins, and recent relegation to secure its place in the top-tier Super League.
The origins of Bhayangkara Presisi are rooted in the complex internal politics of Indonesian football. In 2010, a rebel faction from Persebaya Surabaya acquired a second-tier club, Persikubar West Kutai, to maintain a presence in the Indonesian Super League. This led to years of legal disputes over naming rights, forcing the team to change its identity four times between August 2015 and September 2016. The turning point occurred in April 2016 when the club, then known as Surabaya United, merged with the Indonesian National Police's amateur side, PS Polri, to gain institutional backing.
By September 2016, the Indonesian National Police became the club's primary operator, rebranding it as Bhayangkara FC. The name itself is a historical nod to the guardians of the ancient Majapahit kingdom. The club's identity is heavily influenced by its police affiliation, featuring a gold color scheme that mirrors the badge of police officers. Financially, the club is supported by a company owned by the police traffic division, though it occasionally secures sponsorship from major conglomerates like the Bakrie Group.
The club's history is marked by both success and controversy. In 2017, they won the Liga 1 championship, a victory that sparked national debate because it was decided on a head-to-head basis rather than total points, leading many fans to view the club as an elitist entity lacking popular support. Following a difficult 2023–24 season that included a 16-match winless streak and the high-profile signing of Radja Nainggolan, the team was relegated. However, they successfully secured promotion back to the top tier for the 2025–26 season, now based in Bandar Lampung and playing at the Sumpah Pemuda Stadium.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung F.C.
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