PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has shown an open attitude towards public criticism while emphasizing his commitment to transparency in the polemic involving Persib Bandung.

The first spotlight came from supporters' actions during the match against Arema FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium on Friday (April 24, 2026). A banner reading "Shut Up KDM" unfurled by Bobotoh (fans) went viral on social media and garnered a variety of responses.

In response, Dedi didn't show any defensive reaction. Instead, he appreciated the criticism as a reminder not to overdo his comments on Persib.

According to Dedi, the message from the bobotoh is well-intentioned, namely to maintain the professionalism of football and prevent it from interfering with other interests, including politics. He believes such criticism is crucial in maintaining the boundary between the public and the sporting world.

"Thank you for the reminder," he said, Sunday (26/4/2026).

He also urged Bobotoh (fans) to divert their energy to real support for the team, especially in the upcoming five crucial matches, instead of getting caught up in debates on social media.

This open attitude was also reflected in another controversy surrounding bonuses for Persib players. Dedi explained in detail the origins of the Rp1 billion bonus promised by Maruarar Sirait.

He explained that the bonus commitment emerged during a meeting between himself, Maruarar, and Persib management to discuss the club's ambitious target of winning three consecutive titles. During the discussion, Maruarar spontaneously expressed his readiness to provide financial support for away matches.

Of the seven away matches, five are scheduled to receive bonuses of Rp1 billion each, bringing the total to Rp5 billion.

Before the information was released to the public, Dedi admitted that he had confirmed with management that there had been no violation of the rules.

Dedi emphasized the rationale behind this openness. He stated that, although initially asked not to publish the information, the principle of transparency was the basis for his decision.

For him, any information related to financial support in the sports ecosystem needs to be conveyed openly to avoid speculation.

"I uphold transparency," he stressed.

This step also demonstrates Dedi's position in trying to maintain accountability without interfering in the club's professional technicalities.

He positions himself as a facilitator who ensures that support runs according to regulations and is known to the public.

Amidst the two issues that had sparked debate, Dedi reiterated the same message: criticism is part of public control, while the main focus remains on the team's achievements.

He urged Bobotoh (fans) to unite in supporting Persib in this defining moment of the season, instead of prolonging the controversy in the digital space.

With this approach, Dedi not only calmed tensions, but also demonstrated his commitment to open governance and respect for football professionalism—two essential foundations for public trust.