Persiraja Banda Aceh was established as a semi-professional team on July 28, 1957, initiated by PSSI. The name changed from the previous name Persib Banda to the name Persiraja, which is currently unknown to the public. At the beginning of this team formation, the team's headquarters were at Blang Padang Field, before being transferred to H. Dimurthala Stadion in Lampineung. At the beginning of this team, there is nothing special about this team.
The club is still in the shadow of Medan PSMS which is one of the strongest teams. In searching for talented players, the team made "Bonden" or another term for the academy. During the period 1957 to 1974, there was no great achievement to be proud of, until finally in 1975, Persiraja succeeded in passing the shadow of Medan PSMS. At the PSSI National Championship 1973-1975 in the western region, Persiraja managed to become a champion by defeating a strong team from Sumatra. At that time, Persiraja managed to top the final standings with 11 points and a goal difference of 31-10 (21). Thus, Persiraja has the right to advance to the 1975-1978 National Championship at the national PSSI level with Medan PSMS, PSL and PS Bangka. At the beginning of its participation, Persiraja managed to penetrate the ranks 8. Persiraja also became known by everyone. In the following season, Persiraja managed to increase the ranking to the top 5. Persiraja could be relegated in 1979, but PSSI was prevented by adding a team to a total of six teams. Finally, in 1980, Persiraja managed to become a national champion in 1980 by defeating Persipura Jayapura 3-1 in the last match. It is an honor to win to be remembered, Persiraja has been known since 1975, five years after the level increase. Persiraja has to wait 23 years since 1957 to win the title in the national football arena.
Persiraja used to have competition with fellow Acehnese clubs, PSAP Sigli. This derby is usually referred to as the "Classic Aceh Derby". Their matches are always hot. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in 2014, when PSAP Sigli goalkeeper, Agus Rahman, hit a hard blow against the Persiraja striker, Akli Fairuz. Akli suffered a bladder leak and, a few days after the match, died of internal injuries due to the tackle. Although Agus Rahman said that he had never intended to harm Akli, and asked for forgiveness from Akli's family, he received the yearly suspension given by the PSSI. At present, since Persiraja and PSAP Sigli are no longer at the same league level, competition has become colder. In addition, Persiraja also competes with other Acehnese clubs, PSBL Langsa.
Persiraja have fanatic supporter group named SKULL, which was established in 2007. The name is an abbreviation of Suporter Kutaraja Untuk Lantak Laju (en: Banda Aceh Supporter for the Keep Fighting). They used to have rivalry and conflict with The LAN, which is the supporter of other Aceh club, PSAP Sigli. However the two supporter groups ended the conflict in 2014.
Persiraja have fanatic supporter group named SKULL, which was established in 2007. The name is an abbreviation of Suporter Kutaraja Untuk Lantak Laju (en: Banda Aceh Supporter for the Keep Fighting). They used to have rivalry and conflict with The LAN, which is the supporter of other Aceh club, PSAP Sigli. However the two supporter groups ended the conflict in 2014.
Like most Perserikatan clubs, Persiraja had been funded by the local municipality. However, according to new ordinance by Indonesian Minister of Internal Affair in 2017, the local municipalities are no longer allowed to give any fund support to Indonesian club. Therefore, in March 2017, the management of Persiraja established a private company. A local businessman, Nazaruddin Dek Gam, bought most shares, forming PT Persiraja Lantak Laju, and became the club's president.
The players of Persiraja Banda Aceh for Liga 2 season 2018.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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