The National Human Rights Commission Asks for Information from Arema FC Management regarding the Kanjuruhan Tragedy

Komnas HAM commissioner Choirul Anam (left two) while at Arema FC's office in Malang City, East Java, Friday (21/10/2022). ANTARA/Vicki Febrianto

MALANG - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) asked the management of Arema FC regarding the tragedy that occurred at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java after the match against Persebaya Surabaya, last Saturday, October 1.

Komnas HAM commissioner, Choirul Anam, said that Komnas HAM needed several things from the Arema FC management statement regarding the tragedy that killed 134 people.

"For the management of Arema FC, we are doing an in-depth investigation. Such as the relationship between PSSI and the club, PT LIB and the club, including the relationship between the broadcaster and the club", he said, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, October 21.

He explained that the interrelated relationship is currently being investigated by Komnas HAM, especially regarding the regulations made by the All-Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), including those adopted by the World Football Authority, FIFA.

According to him, the distribution of security regulations that have been prepared by PSSI, including those that have adopted FIFA provisions, will be investigated more deeply. In addition, Komnas HAM also studied information from the Chair of the Arema FC Panpel and Arema FC Security Officers.

"Regulations made by PSSI, as well as those adopted from FIFA, how they are distributed, for example regarding security regulations, how they are distributed, so that we see the broad spectrum of Kanjuruhan events, that's what we are investigating", he said.

Komnas HAM wants to take a closer look at the governance of Indonesian football regarding the tragedy that occurred at the Kanjuruhan Stadium. Are the existing regulations implemented properly or are they just a rule?

"Because of the previous facts, it was only a workshop. If the workshop was only a certificate of participation in the workshop, not a certification in the context of a test, and so on", he said.

On Saturday, October 1, there was chaos after the match between Arema FC against Persebaya Surabaya with a final score of 2-3 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency. The defeat caused several supporters to descend and enter the field area.

The riots grew bigger as several flares were thrown including other objects. Joint security forces tried to disperse the supporters and in the end used tear gas.

As a result of the incident, as many as 134 people were reported to have died from fractures, trauma to the head and neck, and asphyxia or reduced oxygen levels in the body. In addition, hundreds of people were also reported to have suffered minor injuries, including serious injuries.