East Java Police Chief Makes Apology

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

East Java Regional Police Chief Inspector General Nico Afinta

MALANG, KOMPAS — East Java police chief Insp. Gen. Nico Afinta has apologized for the lack of security during the fatal BRI Liga 1 match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya on Saturday. Nico said he hoped that all parties, including the “Aremania” – Arema FC supporters – would continue to protect Malang and East Java.

“As the regional police chief, I am deeply regretful and sincerely apologize for the shortcomings in security. Going forward, we will evaluate together with the organizing committee, the president of the league as well as the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI). We hope that future soccer matches will be safe, comfortable and help drive the economy,” Nico said on Tuesday (4/10/2022).

Nico made the statement after observing the condition of victims being treated at Saiful Anwar Hospital (RSSA) in Malang. He was accompanied by National Police public relations head Insp. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo, Deputy East Java Governor Emil dardak and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Tanfidziyah regional board chairman KH Marzuki Mustamar. The group met with the hospital’s director Kohar Hari Santoso as well as the medical team treating the victims of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy.

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According to Nico, the East Java police, together with the National Police, are still identifying the victims. There have been 130 deaths so far and 300 people treated for injuries.

Nico also asked for prayers. “This is our city, where we stay in one home. If there is a problem, I’m certain those that live here can resolve it. We are family. These steps will definitely be followed by positive things. Thank you to all Aremania and please take care of this city, take care of this province. It is ours,” he said.

Nico added the police would enforce the law against anyone found guilty of causing the incident, including police officers, once the humanitarian process was complete.

Dedi Prasetyo said the police’s forensic team was going through six of the 32 surveillance (CCTV) cameras in the stadium. The cameras that had been examined included gates 3 and 9-13, as many fatalities occurred there, based on the results of a preliminary analysis. The gates are narrow spaces that fit only two people and certainly could not accommodate hundreds of spectators fleeing.

The status is now an investigation. We are still collecting evidence but witness testimonies are ready.

Dedi added that his team had examined 29 witnesses and gathered information from 23 police officers who were stationed at the stadium during the match, as well as 6 witnesses from the organizing committee and others.

“The status is now an investigation. We are still collecting evidence but witness testimonies are ready. Later there will be expert testimonies and other pieces of evidence examined. Only then can we name suspects and question them,” said Dedi.

The National Police Commission is also in Malang to oversee the police’s investigation and gather feedback from the families of victims, all of whom were supporters of Arema FC. Commission member Albertus Wahyurudhanto said his party was also monitoring the nvestigation into the use of tear gas. FIFA prohibits the use of tear gas in stadiums, but the regulation has not been ratified by Indonesian soccer security officials.

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

Arema management issued a statement regarding the Kanjuruhan tragedy, Monday (03/10/2022). The event was attended by Arema FC President Gilang Widya Pramana (right) and Arema Media Officer Sudarmaji (left)

Sanctions for Arema

Regarding the Kanjuruhan tragedy, the PSSI disciplinary commission imposed a ban on Arema holding home matches until the end of this year’s competition season. Arema FC can compete provided the match is 250 kilometers from the home stadium and without spectators.

PSSI disciplinary commission chairman Erwin Tobing announced the sanction in Malang city on Tuesday (4/10). PSSI investigation team head Ahmad Riyad was also present.

According to Erwin, Arema was also subject to a Rp 250 million fine and repeated violations would result in heavier penalties.

Additionally, match organizing committee head Abdul Harris and match day steward, Suko Sutrisno, were also sanctioned and banned from engaging in soccer activities for life.

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According to Erwin, PSSI recorded numerous mistakes, such as stadium exits still being closed at the end of the match when spectators stormed the pitch as well as minimal lighting around the stadium. Kanjuruhan Stadium is barred from use until repairs are made to improve the safety standards.

“[The organizing committee head] should have been more observant. We saw that he was unprepared and not meticulous enough, failing to anticipate the crowds of people despite having a steward,” Erwin added.

Arema FC manager Ali Fikri, who accompanied the PSSI team, said he accepted the sanctions. He said the team was still concerned about the victims and did not even want to think about future soccer matches.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.