Stadium Grass Burns During A Year Of Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Police: It's A Cut And Stacked Illalang

Malang Police Chief AKBP Putu Kholis Aryana (medium) while visiting the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang Regency, East Java, Monday (2/10/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Malang Police)

Malang Police gave an explanation regarding the burning of grass in the area inside the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, during the one-year anniversary of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy on Sunday night. Malang Police Chief AKBP Putu Kholis Aryana said there were no arson incidents at the stadium that were currently being renovated. The fire occurred as a result of cleaning up the remains of grass and weeds in the area. "The burning of the Kanjuruhan Stadium is not true, what is true is the cleaning of grass and weeds by burning them in the Kanjuruhan Stadium field," said Kholis in Malang Regency, East Java, quoted from Antara, Monday, October 2. Kholis explained that based on the results of a review and examination in the field, Monday, officers found no signs of intentional arson at the Kanjuruhan Stadium as the issue circulated. According to him, what actually happened was clearing grass and weeds that had grown very high in the stadium area. The grass and weeds had been cut and piled up to dry. "The rest of the grass and weeds were cleaned yesterday by Aremania's colleagues by burning. Indeed, after cutting, these grass and weeds are also part of the construction process," explained Kholis. He added that at the one-year anniversary of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Waskita Karya provided access to enter the Kanjuruhan Stadium by opening the guardrail on the west and south sides of the stadium. "The access was then used by Aremania to see Gate 13, including those who wanted to enter the stadium," he said. Currently, the situation at the Kanjuruhan Stadium is safe and in the process of being restored by construction workers. Local people are also seen using the area around the stadium to exercise casually, such as walking and small runs. Malang Police together with the Malang Regency Government and Waskita Karya jointly supervise the construction process of the Kanjuruhan Stadium. This is to ensure that the facilities at the Kanjuruhan Stadium remain valuable assets for the local community.

"Currently, cleaning and development are ongoing. We are sure that the residents of Malang Regency will also support efforts to build the pride stadium in Malang Regency, namely the Kanjuruhan Stadium," said Kholis.