Komnas HAM: There Are Indications Of Human Rights Violations During Riots In The Malang Village

Komnas HAM member Choirul Anam (two left) during a press conference at the Arema FC management office in Malang City, Monday (3/10/2022). (ANTARA/Willy Irawan)

MALANG - Member of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), Choirul Anam, said there were indications of human rights violations during the riot at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, Saturday, October 1 night, which resulted in 125 deaths.

"We got some information that violence did occur", said Choirul Anam during a press conference at the Arema FC management office in Malang City, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, October 3.

Some of the violence that was proven to be carried out was the kicks made by the security forces against the supporters. Even when Arema supporters were walking on the sidelines, the security forces were still carrying out violence.

"Kicked, got kung fu in the field. Well, it's not only Komnas HAM who saw, but all can see", said Anam.

Anam said Komnas HAM was investigating and looking at the condition of Malang's Kanjuruhan Stadium to determine what happened in the riots that killed 125 people, including two police officers.

"We will investigate somewhat in the anatomy of the stadium, the story then and post-match", he said.

Anam, who claimed to be an Arema supporter since childhood, also asked to be met with Arema players. From the meeting, it is hoped that the investigation can be carried out objectively.

"If you can see from the video, if there wasn't tear gas, maybe there wouldn't be so much noise (the riots)", he added.

Anam ensured that Komnas HAM's agenda while in Malang was to visit the victim's family at home and hospital and to coordinate to meet Arema players.

"We are investigating whatever happened in Kanjuruhan", he said.

The riot at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang on Saturday, October 1 night occurred shortly after the League 1 match between the hosts Arema FC versus Persebaya ended. Thousands of Arema supporters entered the field after their team lost 2-3 to "Bajol Ijo".

From several amateur video footage spread on social media, it can be seen that security forces fired tear gas to control thousands of supporters. As a result, the fans ran for safety to the narrow exit, causing a stampede and casualties.