The violence and corruption of Indonesian football: a game in a world of its own

Professional football in Indonesia may be relatively new, but its impact on society and politics has been immediate and far-reaching. Clubs owned by the elite in search of a laundered image, violent ultras that have come to dominate, and rampant corruption all form part of the game. Throw in a government that sees football as a diversion from its ills and you have a heady brew.