AMONG the deafening roars of Jakmania, the diehard supporters of Persija Jakarta, no one could’ve guessed that one day, one of their own would trade the stands for the pitch, wearing the club’s iconic jersey, not just for Persija, but also for the country. This is the journey of Ilham Rio Fahmi, a story of passion, persistence, and an extraordinary rise from fan to national team player.
Born in Banjarnegara on October 6, 2001, Rio didn’t come from a footballing family. No one in his household or neighborhood had ever taken the professional route in football. But from a young age, he was drawn to the beautiful game.
I started by watching village matches. After a while, I asked my parents if I could join a football school. But even then, I went to sign up on my own. My parents never pushed me toward football, it just wasn’t seen as a promising path in my village.
Refusing to give up, Rio kept grinding. After finishing high school, he worked at a cellphone store, until he heard news about a youth trial at Persija. Armed with determination and a sliver of courage, he asked for time off from work to attend.
I took a chance and went for it, and I made it through.
For Rio, Persija isn’t just a club. He’s been a loyal Jakmania member since 2012, following the team, attending matches, and even traveling to watch the 2017 Cilacap Cup. So when he finally pulled on the Persija jersey for real, it felt like a dream long overdue.
But breaking into the first team wasn’t easy. Rio had to compete with two big names in his position: Marco Motta, a former Juventus defender with Champions League experience, and Persija legend Ismed Sofyan.
As soon as I joined, I was seen as competition to two established players. But I didn’t see them as rivals, I saw them as teachers. Watching them train was a lesson. And whenever the chance came, I took it.
That chance finally arrived on September 12, 2021, in a match against PSIS Semarang. Rio came on in the 75th minute, and gave away a foul that led to the equalizer. Jakmania were furious, and his social media was flooded with angry comments.
There were tens of thousands of hate comments. But it became a huge lesson for me. I didn’t stop. I kept learning.
In those tough moments, it was the senior players who lifted him up:
They guided me, never tore me down. There was a match where I made a costly mistake and we didn’t win, I cried. But the senior guys hugged me and told me to focus on the next game.
Rio’s hard work paid off. He grew into a tireless, disciplined right-back. In the 2022–2023 season, he played in 30 matches and was named Liga 1’s Best Young Player.
Then came the moment he never dared to dream of, PSSI called him up.
I didn’t even think it was possible.
He was asked to get a passport to join a training camp in South Korea under coach Shin Tae-yong, ahead of the 2021 SEA Games in Vietnam. It was his first time abroad.
It was a mix of emotions. I was happy and proud, but also nervous.
His national team debut came with a dose of nerves too. But the veterans helped him settle quickly. From there, Rio became a key part of the U-23 squad, helping them secure bronze in the 2021 SEA Games and gold in 2023.
Ilham Rio Fahmi is no longer in the stands. He’s on the field, chasing the dreams he once shouted from the terraces. From Banjarnegara to Jakarta, from Jakmania to Garuda, his story is a reminder that belief, courage, and relentless effort can turn cheers into standing ovations from a grateful nation.
