ISESS Urges Police To Investigate The Tragedy Of Malang Kanjuruhan Stadium

The atmosphere of the riots at the Malang Kanjuruhan stadium/Photo: video screen capture

JAKARTA - The Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS) urges the National Police to thoroughly investigate the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya, which killed 127 people.

"ISESS urges the National Police Chief to immediately remove the Malang Police Chief as the person in charge of match safety and security for the Malang region and the East Java Regional Police Chief and thoroughly investigate the person in charge of organizing the match so that this big tragedy occurred," said ISESS observer Bambang Rukminto, quoting Antara, Sunday 2 October.

Bambang said the Kanjuruhan tragedy showed that the police were unable to predict and prevent a riot in the stadium, resulting in victims being pushed into the narrow door because the fans panicked.

"In terms of security, there must be a security plan and contingency (backup plan)," said Bambang.

He mentioned that there is a statute of the International Football Federation (FIFA) which prohibits the use of tear gas in securing football matches in stadiums.

"It must be seen that not all supporters are rioters. Prediction and prevention include security plans, number of personnel, and anticipation in case of an emergency," he added.

The tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium did not need to happen if the committee and security forces served with precision, predictiveness, and responsibility, so as to prevent an emergency.

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 Regional Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Nico Afinta at a press conference in Malang, Sunday, said of the 127 people who died, two of them were members of the National Police.

"In that incident, 127 people have died, two of whom are members of the National Police," said Nico.

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