The Kanjuruhan Stadium Tragedy Makes Valentino Simanjuntak Resign As The Host Of Liga 1

Valentino Simanjuntak declared his resignation from his role as a League 1 presenter as a form of concern for the tragedy of the Kanjuruhan Stadium which claimed 125 lives. (Instagram/@radotvalent)

JAKARTA - The emcee and football commentator Radot Valentino "Jebret" Simanjuntak on Sunday announced his resignation as a commentator on the Liga 1 competition following the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang.

The announcement was made by Valentino through a written statement that he uploaded on his personal Instagram, @radotvalent. He admitted that he was saddened by the incident that had claimed hundreds of lives, which made him lose his desire to continue to participate in Liga 1 2022/2023.

"I, as part of the national football team, feel concerned and sad that my enthusiasm/desire to participate in the BRI Liga 1 2022/2023 program has reached the lowest point in my career as a host and commentator for the national football program," wrote Valentino in the statement.

"This loss of enthusiasm will have an impact on my contribution, which will no longer provide the maximum I have given before," he continued, as quoted by Antara.

"I submit my resignation as the host and commentator for the BRI Liga 1 2022/2023 program starting October 2, 2022."

The chaos at the Kanjuruhan Stadium began when a number of home fans rushed into the field after their favorite team lost 2-3 to Persebaya Surabaya in the 2022/2023 Indonesian Liga 1 continued match, Saturday (1/10) night.

Security officers took preventive measures by diverting so that the supporters did not go down to the field and chase players. However, the appeal was not heeded, so the police team finally fired tear gas.

Based on data from the Indonesian National Police, up to now, 125 people have died as a result of the riots in the Kanjuruhan Stadium tragedy.