Indonesia international right back Ismed Sofyan gave Persija the lead with a stunning 40-metre volley in the 24th minute before his national teammate, striker Bambang Pamungkas, doubled the lead in the 70th minute.

Persik reduced the deficit through Aris Budi Prasetyo in the 79th minute but it was not enough to prevent them from suffering their sixth defeat in 11 matches as they dropped to eighth place in the Western Conference.

Sydney FC meet Persik on April 11 in Indonesia, followed by a home match against them at Parramata Stadium on April 25.

PSMS Medan remain three points clear at the top of the Western standings after second place Sriwijaya FC Palembang suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat at the hands of Pelita Jaya Purwakarta.

Goals by imports Lamin Conteh and Alseny Diawarra earned Pelita only their third win of the season against a team that had lost just one of their previous 10 games.

Persita Tangerang bounced back after suffering their first home defeat of the year against Sriwijaya last week, defeating Persitara Jakarta Utara 3-1.

In the Eastern Conference, former champions Persebaya Surabaya remained second from last after suffering a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Persijap Jepara, who got the only goal from Brazilian Leandro Braga in the 26th minute.

Goals by Greg Nwokolo and Alvin Kie earned second-placed Persis Solo a 2-0 win over Persegi Bali.