For you national football enthusiasts, the name Bali United is certainly no stranger. The club based on the Island of the Gods has successfully transformed into one of the most respected forces in Indonesian Liga 1. Not just about achievements on the field, Bali United is also known as a pioneer of modern professional football in the country.
But, did you know that Bali United’s journey to this point is actually quite unique and winding? Let’s discuss together the ins and outs of the journey of this club, the pride of the Balinese people!
From Putra Samarinda to Bali United
The Bali United we know today did not actually originate from scratch in Bali. The club’s historical roots trace back to Pusam (Putra Samarinda), a club from East Kalimantan founded in 1989.
At the end of 2014, national businessman Pieter Tanuri took over Putra Samarinda, which was then experiencing financial difficulties. After the acquisition, the club’s license was officially transferred to Bali and its name was changed to Bali United Pusam F.C. in early 2015, before eventually being simplified to Bali United F.C.
This step also filled the longing of the Balinese people for the presence of a top-tier football club, after the era of Gelora Dewata and Persegi Gianyar faded.
Club Identity: Nickname, Colors, and Philosophy
Every football club has a strong identity that makes them easily recognizable, as does Bali United.
- Main Nickname: Serdadu Tridatu. The word “Tridatu” is taken from a typical Balinese ornament of three-colored threads: Red, White, and Black.
- Colors: Red, White, and Black are the base colors of the jersey and club logo, symbolizing the three spiritual elements of Balinese society (Tiga Murti).
- Home Base: Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, located in Gianyar Regency, Bali. This stadium is known for its grandeur and well-maintained facilities.
Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium: A Grand Home in Gianyar
Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium is not just a place to hold matches, but has become a symbol of pride for the people of Bali. After its management was taken over by Bali United’s management, this stadium underwent massive renovations.
The facilities provided are very modern for an Indonesian club:
- Bali United Store: The club’s official merchandise store covering hundreds of square meters, selling jerseys, casual clothing, and club trinkets.
- Bali United Cafe: A sports-themed cafe located right in the stadium area, where supporters gather before and after matches.
- Mega LED & AFC Standard Lighting: The quality of the pitch and stadium lights are adjusted to international standards to welcome Asian competition matches.
A Series of Shining Achievements in the Top Tier
Although classified as a young club from rebranding, Bali United has progressed very rapidly in terms of trophies and achievements.
- Liga 1 Champion 2019: Under the guidance of coach Stefano Cugurra (Teco), Bali United successfully secured the Liga 1 title for the first time with a fairly dominant point margin over its rivals.
- Liga 1 Champion 2021/2022: Bali United made new history as the first club in the modern era of Indonesian football to win the Liga 1 title back-to-back (consecutively).
- International Stint: Representing Indonesia in the Asian Champions League qualification and AFC Cup group stage in several seasons.
Pioneer of Modern Clubs and Going Public (IPO)
One thing that makes Bali United different from other Indonesian football clubs is their courage in innovating in the field of sports business (sports business).
In June 2019, Bali United made history by becoming the first professional football club in Southeast Asia to offer its shares to the public through the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) with the stock code BOLA (PT Bali Tiga Sepakbola Tbk).
This bold step proves that football clubs in Indonesia can be managed transparently, professionally, and independently without relying on local government grants.
Fan Base: Semeton Dewata and Northsideboys 12
Supporter support is the main lifeblood of Bali United. The atmosphere at Dipta Stadium always roars every time a home match is held, thanks to their two largest supporter groups:
- Semeton Dewata: The first and largest supporter group spread across all corners of Bali. They are known to be very friendly, loyal, and consistently enliven the east and west stands.
- Northsideboys 12 (NSB12): A supporter group that occupies the north stand. With an ultras concept, NSB12 always appears attractive for the full 90 minutes with spirited chants, brilliant choreography, and waving giant flags.
The presence of these two groups creates a beautiful harmony in the stadium: fiery spirit in the north combined with the warmth typical of Balinese society.
Youth Development and Bali United Training Center
Bali United not only focuses on the main team, but is also very serious about building the foundation for the future of football through its academy (Bali United Youth).
This seriousness is proven by the construction of the magnificent training facility Bali United Training Center in the Pantai Purnama area, Gianyar. This facility has several FIFA-standard natural grass pitches, a fitness center, and an academy to hone young talents from Bali and all over Indonesia.
Conclusion
Bali United is not just an ordinary football club. They are the blueprint of modern professional club management in Indonesia. From business integration, stadium management, to consistent on-field achievements, the Tridatu Soldiers have successfully proven that football can be managed beautifully and successfully from the Island of the Gods.
