Indonesia fined $25,000 over fan misconduct, stadium capacity reduced ahead of World Cup qualifier against China

The match, held on March 25 at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, ended in a 1–0 victory for Indonesia and drew 69,599 spectators. However, FIFA found that around 200-300 Indonesian fans shouted xenophobic and hateful slogans against Bahrain in the 80th minute. PSSI received formal notice of the disciplinary action on May 11.

Aside from the $25,000 fine, Indonesia will be required to reduce stadium capacity by 15% for their next home match, against China on June 5 in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The reduction will affect approximately 11,500 seats at the 77,193-seat Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, particularly in the stands behind the goals.

The capacity reduction is a blow for Indonesia ahead of a critical match. China currently sit at the bottom of group C with six points, just three behind second-place Indonesia. A victory on June 5 would revive their hopes of advancing to the fourth round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Indonesian fans during the game against Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 25, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@maartenpaes

PSSI Executive Committee member Arya Sinulingga stated that FIFA may allow those seats to be refilled by members of the anti-discrimination groups.

"We must submit a plan to FIFA 10 days before the match," Sinulingga told Bola. "These seats can be occupied by fans who are part of the anti-discrimination community, and they must display anti-discrimination banners."

This is not the first controversy involving Indonesian fans and Bahrain. In the previous fixture on Oct. 10, 2024, which ended in a 2–2 draw, Indonesian supporters flooded the Bahrain Football Association (BFA)'s website and social media with abusive messages, including attacks on Bahrain players and Oman referee Ahmed Al Kaf. The BFA filed a petition with FIFA and the AFC requesting the return leg be played at a neutral venue, but the proposal was rejected.

While PSSI ensured safety for the visiting team in the match on March 25, the behavior of some supporters has again brought scrutiny and consequences for the national team.

Indonesia faced similar penalties in the past. Following the 2022 Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster, which left 133 people dead in a stampede, stadiums across the country were restricted to 50% capacity for a period.