Mahfud MD Calls Riots At The Malang Archaging Stadium Not Bentrok Supporter Arema FC Vs Persebaya

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Political Affairs Mahfud MD/ Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD emphasized the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java, not a clash between Persebaya supporters and Arema FC.

"I need to emphasize that the tragedy of Kanjuruhan was not a clash between the Persebaya supporters and Arema. Because in that match the Persebaya supporters were not allowed to watch," said Mahfud, quoted by Antara, Sunday, October 2.

According to Mahfud, the victims generally die from urges, crushes each other, and are trampled on, as well as shortness of breath. "There are no victims of beatings or inter-supporter abuse," said Mahfud. Mahfud explained that before the match was carried out, the police had anticipated through coordination and technical proposals in the field. For example, matches to be held in the afternoon, the number of spectators was adjusted to the stadium capacity, which was 38,000 people. "But the proposals were not made by the committee who looked very excited. The match was still held at night, and the tickets printed were 42,000," said Mahfud.

The government, he added, has made improvements to the implementation of football matches from time to time and will continue to improve. "But the sport, which is the favorite of the wider community, often provokes supporters to express emotions suddenly," he said. As of Sunday morning, 127 people were reported to have died in the tragedy that occurred after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java. East Java Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Nico Afinta at a press conference in Malang, Sunday, said of the 127 people who died, two of whom were members of the National Police. "In that incident, 127 people died, two of whom are members of the National Police," said Nico. Nico said that 34 people were reported to have died at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, while the rest died while they received assistance at a number of local hospitals.