Paraguayan striker Aldo Barreto struck his seventh goal of the season after just six minutes, converting a neat pass from Indonesia international midfielder Syamsul Chaeruddin.

But Persis levelled seven minutes before the break through Nigerian striker Greg Nwokolo.

PSM were forced to wait until 16 minutes before time to grab the winner as Carlos Alberto Bergottini headed home Irsyad Aras' cross to hand the Sulawesi-based outfit a four point lead over second place Persiter Ternate.

Papuan-based side Perseman Manokwari remain rooted to the foot of the table despite Boston Browne's strike securing a 1-0 win over Persijap Jepara.

PSMS returned to the top of the western conference following a 1-1 draw against Pelita Jaya Purwakarta.

Pelita Jaya's Serbian midfielder Ivan Jerkovich stunned the home fans as he opened the scoring after 11 minutes, but Liberian striker Frank Seator struck with 14 minutes remaining to ensure a point for PSMS.

Aceh-based PSSB Bireuen were also held to a 1-1 draw by Persita Tangerang after Stephen Mennoh cancelled out Diego Mendieta's early strike to ensure a point for the visitors.