Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The new management of Aremania Utas for the 2026–2030 period was officially inaugurated at the Ballroom of Cemara Unggul Sport Center in Singosari, Malang Regency, on Sunday evening, 2 August 2026.
Malang Mayor Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat MM expressed hope that the incoming leadership will set a strong example for Indonesian football supporters and further strengthen Aremania’s positive reputation across the country.
He described Aremania as an established identity of the Malang community that is widely recognized. A more solid organization, he said, will improve collaboration with the local government, security forces and Arema FC in maintaining order and protecting the city’s good name.
“As Om Ovan Tobing, the Regent and the Malang City Police Chief have said, Aremania must be good supporters who are welcomed wherever they go and who project a positive image. Aremania Utas should become a model for other supporter groups. They must carry a message of peace, uphold brotherhood and always prioritize sportsmanship,” Wahyu said.
He added that Aremania’s network, which now stretches across many regions and even overseas, helps raise Malang’s profile both nationally and internationally.
“I hope they continue to show that supporter culture in Malang is improving—respecting opponents, keeping order and upholding fair play—so that Malang’s name is known positively both at home and abroad,” he continued.
The mayor also highlighted the broader economic benefits of football matches. Large crowds of supporters stimulate creative industries, micro and small businesses, and tourism.
“Football is not only about the game. There is a multiplier effect that the community feels. MSMEs move, the creative economy grows, and overall economic activity rises because so many people come to Malang,” he noted.
The Malang city government is preparing the area around Gajayana Stadium as a creative-economy space during match days. The program will involve the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and local MSMEs so that the economic benefits reach the wider community.
Wahyu confirmed that the city administration is ready to work with the new Aremania Utas leadership.
“We have always supported positive Aremania activities. Once the new management is in place, we will discuss program we can develop together. The principle is simple: Malang City is ready to support any activity that benefits the community, football and the progress of the city,” he said.
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Presidium coordinator Ali Rifki reflected on the organization’s journey over the past two years. The first year was difficult because of lingering negative perceptions of Aremania.
“In the second year we were able to show real progress. Everything was driven by love, sincerity, dedication and a genuine desire to serve Aremania and Aremanita,” he said.
Ali pointed to the 2025–2026 Liga season as clear evidence of change. Aremania recorded zero incidents involving supporters across Greater Malang and East Java.
“Together with every part of the organization we managed to maintain security and order. Alhamdulillah, there were no incidents involving Aremania in Malang Raya or East Java. That shows how mature Aremania has become,” he stated.
The new 2026–2030 structure is larger than before so it can better serve Aremania members living across Indonesia and abroad.
“This time the management is bigger because we want to accommodate Aremania worldwide. Aremania is no longer only about Greater Malang—it has become an identity of Malang people wherever they are,” Ali explained.
The new Presidium includes representatives from Malang City, Malang Regency, Batu City, Bali, Kalimantan, Central Java and other regions. The diversity is intended to symbolize unity without regional barriers.
Following the Second National Congress (MUNAS II) of Aremania Utas held in Batu, the 2026–2030 Presidium was confirmed as follows: Coordinator M. Ali Rifki, with members Septian Eka Pratama, Ibrahim Riqi Herdianto, Rida Hartatik, Achmad Ardiansyah, Prayogi Setiawan and Teddy Krisna Putra.
Ali stressed that Aremania Utas is not driven by personal interests.
“This organization does not belong to any individual. We want to serve Aremania and Aremanita and act as a collaborative partner for the club, local government and the regional leadership forum. I hope every official works with a sincere heart, pure intention and the same love for the organization that they have for themselves,” he concluded. (ws15/rhd)
Indonesian Version:
Kukuhkan Pengurus Aremania Utas 2026–2030, Wali Kota Malang: Teladan Suporter Indonesia
