Football Excitement Ends in Deep Sorrow

KOMPAS/DEFRI WERDIONO

The burning police truck sits around the Kanjuruhan Stadium. Malang Regency, East Java, on Sunday (2/10/2022).

Mashadi (49) could not hold back tears while waiting for the identification of his daughter, Hindun Diana (19), at Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, East Java, on Sunday afternoon (2/10/2022). Hindun was one of the 125 victims who died in a riot at the end of host Arema FC against Persebaya football match at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java, on Saturday night.

"I want justice, true fact-finding," Mashadi said, demanding law enforcement over the tragedy.

At another corner not far from them, Aji Suryadi (40) was also overwhelmed by sorrow. He lamented the death of his son, Akbar Raihan Firdaus (15), another victim in the deadly crush. "He was only a kid. Why did he also become a victim?" he moaned in anguish.

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In the ICU room, Edi Hermanto (55) was seen in supplication for the recovery of his daughter, Bellanis Agustin (16), who was being treated for her injuries. "I wish I had known it would end this way. It would have been better [for her] not to watch football in the stadium. Just stay at home. It's safe," he said, regretting his decision to allow his daughter to go to the Kanjuruhan Stadium.

She was communicating with a medical staff, asking about the body of her daughter, Radina Astrid Yufitasari (20).

At Wava Husada Hospital, Kepanjen, Malang regency, Satun (48) was in tears while holding her 1.5-year-old grandchild. She was communicating with a medical staff, asking about the body of her daughter, Radina Astrid Yufitasari (20).

Radina would not have been among those who succumbed to death if she had followed the advice of her mother, who wanted her to stay at home to tend her two children, aged 1.5 and 3 years. “I told her not to go, but she insisted. I couldn’t but give in," Satun said in a sob.

Satun came to the hospital accompanied by Hanif (25), one of Radina's companions in attending the match. He survived, while she was fatally trampled over by panicking spectators.

“It was chaotic. The tear gas made the eyes sore and breath short. Everyone was panicking. Radina and I initially managed to get down to an exit gate. However, we could not go through the gate because it was overcrowded. We lost our handhold because of the unbearable pressure from behind. I survived,” he said. He choked in sheer sadness when recalling the ordeal, which Radina did not survive. So overwhelming was the sorrow he broke off his speech in a long pause.

ANTARA/ARI BOWO SUCIPTO

Arema FC supporters enter the field after the team they support lost to Persebaya in the BRI Liga 1 soccer match at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, on Saturday (1/10/2022).

He looked depressed and his eyes glazed over gloomily as he struggled to come to terms with the unimaginable, deadly mishap. He tried to smile when someone offered him a drink.

Emergency help desk

The Malang municipal administration has set up an information-service post over the Kanjuruhan disaster. The service will be available for at least the next three days.

“We have opened this post to take [queries for] data and information about the human tragedy in Kanjuruhan. We collect data on the victims, whether they are injured, killed or buried. We don't limit the data to only victims from Malang municipality," Malang Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) head Prayitno said.

As of Sunday, the death toll was reported at 125 people, including two police personnel.

The agency is deploying 40 personnel as well as a healthcare team made up of related institutions on duty at the service post. Working around the clock, they receive reports of families having lost their members or relatives in the Kanjuruhan disaster. As of Sunday, the death toll was reported at 125 people, including two police personnel.

"On average, the dead victims were marked with blue bodies due to trampling and breath shortage," Malang Health Office head Wiyanto Wijoyo said.

On its official website, Arema FC management has issued a statement to express their condolences for the disaster.

"Arema FC expresses deep condolences for the disaster in Kanjuruhan. Arema FC management is also responsible for the treatment of the victims, dead or injured," the organizing committee head Abdul Haris said.

"To the families of the victims, the Arema FC management apologizes profusely and is preparing to provide compensation. The management is ready to accept suggestions and input in post-disaster management for its betterment in the future,” he said.

Malang regent M. Sanusi, who visited the victims at the hospital, said that the local government would cover all costs for treating the injured. They have deployed all 50 ambulances to help transport the victims.

“The [treatment] cost is borne by the Malang administration. I have told the hospital to take care of every admitted victim. That's what we can do amid our limited resources," he said.

Empathy for the victims was extended by East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, who announced a provision of Rp 10 million (US$654.33) as compensation for each victim’s family. Seriously injured victims will receive Rp 5 million.

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

The atmosphere at Wava Husada Hospital, Malang Regency, East Java, on Sunday (2/10/2022).

Khofifah hoped they learned a lesson from the event. “We all love football. [We are] excited by how a football match can provide a cheering atmosphere for us. This is an important lesson for us," she said.

The Kanjuruhan disaster has left many in deep sorrow and long-lasting regret. As Indonesian National Team Supporters Association chairman Ignatius Indro summed up, there should be no football match held at the expense of people’s lives.

(This article was translated by Musthofid)