127 People Died At The Malang Kanjuruhan Stadium, 2 Among Them Police Members

The atmosphere of the riot at the Kanjuruhan stadium in Malang Regency, East Java/ Photo: Capture video screen

MALANG - A total of 127 people were reported to have died in the tragedy that occurred at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya.

East Java Police Chief Inspector General Nico Afinta at a press conference in Malang Regency, East Java, said that of the 127 people who died, two of them were members of the National Police.

"In that incident, 127 people died, two of whom were members of the National Police," Nico said quoting Antara, October 2.

Nico explained that as many as 34 people were reported to have died at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, while the rest died while receiving help at a number of local hospitals.

According to him, until now there are approximately 180 people who are still undergoing treatment at a number of these hospitals.

In addition to the victims who died, there were 13 vehicles that were damaged, 10 of which were Police vehicles.

"There are still 180 people who are still being treated. Of the 40 thousand spectators, not all are anarchic. Only part, around 3,000 spectators take to the field," he added.

In fact, he continued, the match at the Kanjuruhan Stadium went smoothly. However, after the game ended, a number of Arema FC supporters were disappointed and some of them went to the field looking for players and officials.

Security officers then made prevention efforts by making a diversion so that the fans did not go to the field and chase the players. In the process, the officers finally fired tear gas.

According to him, the tear gas shooting was carried out because the supporters of the team nicknamed Singo Edan who were dissatisfied and went to the field had carried out anarchic actions and endangered the safety of the players and officials.

"Because of the tear gas, they went out to one point, at the exit. Then there was a buildup and in the process of buildup there was shortness of breath, lack of oxygen," he said.

Meanwhile, Malang Regent M. Sanusi stated that all medical expenses for supporters who are currently undergoing treatment in a number of hospitals will be fully borne by the Malang Regency Government.

"We are deploying all ambulances for the evacuation process from the Kanjuruhan Stadium. For those who are healthy and cared for, the costs are all those who bear Malang Regency," said Sanusi.

The riot occurred after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya with a final score of 3-2 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, Saturday night, October 1. The defeat was the first for Arema FC since the last 23 years.