A local football referee in Purbalingga, Central Java, was hospitalized following a violent pitch invasion and assault by spectators during a community tournament match, locally known as tarkam. The incident, which left the match official severely injured, has prompted immediate disciplinary actions from regional football authorities and triggered formal legal proceedings.
According to reports from verified regional outlets including detikNews, Kompas.com, and Suara Merdeka Purbalingga, the altercation broke out during a tense grassroots football match. The referee, identified in reports as Ridho Bakti, was chased across the pitch and subjected to physical assault by members of the crowd, sustaining severe injuries that required emergency medical treatment at a local hospital.
Immediate Suspension of Tournament Assignments
In response to the violence, the Purbalingga PSSI Referees Commission (Komisi Wasit PSSI Purbalingga) acted swiftly. According to Suara Merdeka Purbalingga, the governing body decided to immediately pull and halt all refereeing assignments for the ongoing tournament.
Legal Action and Investigation
Akurat Jateng reported that Ridho Bakti filed an official police report regarding the physical assault.
Broader Security Concerns in Grassroots Indonesian Football
The Purbalingga incident underscores persistent safety challenges within community-level football across Indonesia.
Next Steps and Official Updates
Investigations by the Purbalingga Police into the crowd violence remain ongoing, with authorities expected to name suspects as video evidence is processed.
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