Indonesia establishes special committee to investigate Kanjuruhan Stadium disaster
04 Oct 2022 08:35am
Soccer fans enter the pitch during a clash between supporters at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java, Indonesia, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Yudha Prabowo)
JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has established a special committee to investigate the tragedy that occurred at Kanjuruhan Stadium, in Malang, East Java, which claimed 125 lives including 32 children.
Headed by the Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, the committee is also composed of 12 other members from various backgrounds - such as from professional football associations, as well as academia and sports journalism.
"This committee will work for two weeks, or a month at most. The results of the investigation, along with recommendations, will be relayed to President Joko Widodo," said Mahfud in a press conference, broadcasted by a local television station.
Mahfud also ordered the National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to immediately reveal the names of those who caused the tragedy.
Commander of the Indonesian Military (TNI) General Andika Perkasa was also asked to open an investigation paper regarding a viral video involving the excessive action of his members during the incident.
"Whether the video is authentic or not, General Andika will immediately investigate and announce it to all of us," he said.
Earlier, Mahfud said the government will deliver a compensation of 50 million rupiah (around RM15,000) to each family who died in the tragic incident after the match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya.
Meanwhile, the President of Arema FC, Gilang Widya Pramana, apologised today and stated that he will fully be responsible for the tragedy on October 1 at the Kanjuruhan Stadium.
"I am willing to accept anything, including punishment, from the football association or the government," he said.
The tragedy occurred after the Arema FC team lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya, sparking the anger of its supporters who entered the field to confront the team's players and officials after the match.
However, the situation became tense when the security forces released tear gas, which led to thousands of supporters on the field to rush out of the field through one gate - leading to a stampede. No less than 180 people were also injured. - BERNAMA
