The accident happened on Saturday in Malang, where after the Arema – Persebaya Surabaya match ended, fans of the home team ran onto the pitch after a 2-3 defeat. The police intervened with tear gas and in the ensuing chaos and stampede, 125 people died, including 32 children between the ages of three and 17. Another three hundred people were injured.
The government will pay compensation of 50 million rupees (82,000 crowns) to the families of the victims. According to Reuters, the families should receive the money within two days.
In order to investigate one of the biggest stadium tragedies in sports history, Indonesia has set up a special commission made up of representatives from the government, the football association and the media, as well as security and other experts.
Photo: Antara Foto, Reuters
The stadium in Indonesia where the tragic events took place.Photo: Between PhotosReuters
“The investigation will begin in the next few days and will be concluded within two to three weeks,” said Security Minister Mohammad Mahfud, who also called on the police to take uncompromising action against those who caused the tragedy.
The procedure is opposed by a number of human rights organizations, which demand that the investigation be independent of the government. In addition, according to them, the police should be held accountable for the use of tear gas.
“We call on the authorities to quickly, thoroughly and independently investigate the use of tear gas at the stadium and to bring those responsible to justice,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
Arema coach Javier Roca also criticized the police intervention. “Some fans died in the players’ arms. I think the police went too far,” the Chilean coach said in an interview with Cadena Ser radio station.
A state police spokesman said Malang police chief Ferli Hidajat and nine other members of the elite mobile brigade had been taken off duty. All are subject to disciplinary proceedings. Another 18 police officers responsible for using tear gas are under investigation.
In the shadow of the tragedy, the Indonesian competition was suspended until further notice, in which Czech representatives Michael Krmenčík and Ondřej Kúdela are also participating in the Persija Jakarta team. According to the police, new security measures need to be set up.
Arema Gilang Chairman Widya Pramana also spoke at a press conference today and stated that he is ready to take full responsibility for the accident. “Lives are more important than football,” he said.
