Report by Tribune Jatim Network Correspondent, Rifky Edgar
TRIBUNJATIM.COM, MALANG – The timeline for Arema FC’s return to Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang remains uncertain, leaving fans and stakeholders in anticipation.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding the inauguration of the Malang Kanjuruhan Stadium. Though, rumors suggest that the stadium, owned by the Malang Regency Government, is slated to open on January 21, 2025.
Aremania, the loyal fanbase of arema FC, eagerly awaits the day when Singo Edan (The Mad Lions) can finally return to their home ground after spending the past two seasons playing away.
Yusrinal Fitriandi, the General Manager of Arema FC, emphasized that the team’s return to Kanjuruhan Stadium is inevitable but requires careful planning and coordination.“We are awaiting the stadium’s inauguration before proceeding with further discussions with relevant authorities,” he stated.
Fitriandi, commonly known as Inal, highlighted the complexities involved in the process during a press briefing on Tuesday (14/1/2025). “Several steps must be taken before we can return to Kanjuruhan Stadium. These include conducting a thorough survey, performing assessments, and even running security simulations,” he explained.
Arema FC’s management has prioritized conducting an on-site survey of the stadium to evaluate its condition post-renovation. This step is crucial to ensure the venue meets the necessary standards for hosting matches.
Also read: Kanjuruhan Stadium’s Inauguration Delayed, Arema FC Continues to Play in Blitar
The survey aims to assess the upgraded facilities and infrastructure, including the stadium’s expanded capacity, which now accommodates up to 21,000 spectators. “Since the tragic incident at Kanjuruhan, we haven’t had the possibility to inspect the stadium firsthand,” Fitriandi shared with Tribun jatim Network. “It’s essential for us to evaluate the renovations before making any decisions.”
Arema FC’s return to their home ground marks a significant milestone for the club and its supporters, symbolizing a fresh start after a challenging period.
