Police Respond To Kanjuruhan Tragedy: Remove Members, Investigate Code Of Ethics Violators To Determine Suspects

The flipped police car after being damaged in the Kanjuruhan Stadium field, Malang Regency, East Java, Saturday, October 1 night. (ANTARA-Vicki Febrianto)

JAKARTA - The National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has removed the Malang Police Chief AKBP Firli Hidayat due to the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Malang Regency, East Java.

At least 125 people died, 21 were seriously injured and 304 were slightly injured after the riots occurred in the Arema FC vs. Persebaya Surabaya match on Saturday, October 1 night.

AKBP Firli was allegedly dismissed because he was responsible for the security sector or match security. The removal was stated in the Secret Telegram Letter (STR) number 2098/X/KEP/2022.

"Deactivating and replacing Malang Police Chief AKBP Ferli Hidayat," said Head of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Inspector General Dedi Prasetyo to reporters in Malang, East Java, Monday, October 3.

In his decision, AKBP Ferli Hidayat was transferred to the US Police HR. The highest leadership of the Bhayangkara Corps appointed AKBP Putu Kholis as his successor.

"He will be replaced by AKBP Putu Kholis Aryana, who previously served as the Tanjung Priok Port Police Chief," he said.

Officials fired tear gas into the stands during Arema FC's match against Persebaya at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java, Saturday night, October 1, 2022. (Antara-Ari BS)

The Kanjuruhan tragedy also made the police at the provincial level clean up. The East Java Police Chief Inspector General Nico Afinta decided to remove 9 members of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tasked with securing the match, which was only filled with home fans without visiting supporters.

Those who were removed included AKBP Agus Waluyo, AKP Khas Darman, Aiptu Solikin, Aiptu M. Syamsul, Aiptu Ari Dwiyanto. Then, AKP Untung, AKP Danang, AKP Nanang, and Aiptu Budi.

The removed Brimob members were commanders at their level. Ranging from Platoon Commander to Battalion Commander.

"The East Java Police Chief also took the same step by deactivating 9 danyons, dankis, and Brimob dantons," said Dedi.

Furthermore, a team from the Special Inspectorate (Itsus) who was ordered by the National Police Chief to investigate the Kanjuruhan Tragedy stated that dozens of police officers were suspected of violating the code of ethics.

A victim of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Malang, on Saturday night, October 1, was transported by fellow supporters to be given medical treatment. (Antara-Ario Bowo Sucipto)

So far, the form of the violation has not been disclosed. Dedi reasoned that the investigation process was still being carried out.

"Based on the results of the investigation by Itsus Irwasum Polri and the Paminal Bureau, an update that I need to convey this evening has also investigated allegations of violations of the code of ethics of members of the National Police as many as 28 Polri personnel. This is still in the process of being investigated," said Dedi.

So far, Dedi said, it is possible that the number of personnel suspected of violating the code of ethics will increase.

On the other hand, the Bareskrim Polri team decided to raise the status of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy that killed hundreds of people to the level of investigation. Although the status has been increased, the determination of the suspect has not been conveyed.

The increase in the status of this case is based on the results of the case title. Where, at least in a series of investigations have collected evidence and 20 witness statements.

"From the results of the examination, the team carried out a case title. From the results of the case title, it increased the status of an investigation to an investigation," said Dedi.

Screen capture of the video when tear gas was fired into the stands for the Arema FC match against Persebaya Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on Saturday 1 October.

In this case, investigators use Article 359 of the Criminal Code concerning negligence which causes the death of another person to be subject to criminal charges. The suspects will be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison.

Then Article 360 ​​of the Criminal Code concerning mistakes or negligence that causes serious injury to people can be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of five years.

"Today's team conducted an examination related to Article 359 and Article 360 ​​of the Criminal Code by examining 20 witnesses," concluded Dedi.