National Police Commission Checks Malang Kanjuruhan Stadium, Asks Regency Government to Improve Facilities

Commissioner of National Police Albertus Wahyurudhanto (left) with the Regent of Malang Sanusi (central) while reviewing the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Tuesday (4/10/2022). (ANTARA/Willy Irawan)

MALANG - Commissioner of National Police, Albertus Wahyurudhanto, asked the Malang Regency Government, East Java, to improve the facilities and security at the Kanjuruhan Stadium.

"We have seen the situation here and it is a bit difficult if we have to leave", Wahyurudhanto said at the Kanjuruhan Stadium as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, October 4.

"We ask for improvements not only in terms of security but also regarding facilities", he added.

He said from the review carried out, it was known that there was no security for fans to leave when the incident occurred at the stadium.

"Essentially, we ask for the Kanjuruhan Stadium facilities to be repaired because the escape security does not exist. This is a normal situation, even if there are crowds, especially during matches like yesterday", he said.

Chaos occurred after the match between Arema FC against Persebaya Surabaya with a final score of 2-3 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java, Saturday at 10.00 pm night. The defeat caused several supporters to descend and enter the field area.

The riots escalated as several "flares" were thrown, including other objects. The joint security officers of the police and the TNI tried to dispel the supporters.

The security officers then took preventive measures by making diversions so that the fans did not enter the field and chase the players. In the process, officers finally fired tear gas.

The tear gas was fired because the disgruntled supporters of the team nicknamed "Singo Mad" took to the field to act anarchically and endanger the safety of the players and officials.