Ganta is the definition of a die-hard Bonek, the fan community of Persebaya supporters. Born in Surabaya, Ganta has developed his deep interest in whatever is about Persebaya. When he was still small, my hubby would take him to football matches at Tambaksari Stadium. As he grew up, he went with his friends and collected merchandices. Green stickers and banners are all over our place.
From a supporter to a prosumer to a researcher. Bajolball podcast channel that he manages with his friends has reached more than 100 episodes. This channel discusses anything related to Persebaya, but not limited to match reviews. This kind of volunteerism is then extended to the production of matchday programmes. Days prior to a match, he would drown himself in his room or our minilibrary to prepare the match preview. He would then go to Bung Tomo stadium and distribute the print version to supporters before the game. It's a fan literacy practice that connects supporters and serves as a free and alternative media. Often times a resistant one.
Today, April 24, 2024, he earned his MA in Anthropology from Gadjah Mada University. His ethnographic research on Bonek based in Boyolali, Klaten, and Sragen highlights the power of collective identities of football supporters that extend beyond the club's homebase in Surabaya.
While graduating from a study program that is currently ranked 51st in the World's University Ranking is something to be proud of, it's his perseverance and persistence against all odds that we are grateful for.
Big congrats, my beloved son. Kudos to you. Ayah, Ibu, and Adik Adzra always take pride in you, no matter what.
Yogyakarta, April 24, 2024
