Let's Come up from the Nadir

The Kanjuruhan tragedy is a very valuable, bitter lesson. Completion of this case and recommendations for improvement in all aspects is a necessity.

KOMPAS/ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) and Chairman of the Independent Joint Fact-Finding Team for the Kanjuruhan tragedy, Mahfud MD gave a press statement after a coordination meeting at the Kemenkopolhukam Office, Jakarta, Tuesday (11/10/2022).

Ten days have passed since the death of at least 131 people and many more injured in the tragedy at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, East Java, leaving a deep sorrow and many lawsuits. The incident at the end of the Liga 1 match between Arema FC and Persebaya on October 1 became a humanitarian tragedy that should not be repeated.

The police have named six suspects, including PT Liga Indonesia Baru Director Akhmad Hadian Lukita, Chairman of the Arema FC Competition Organizing Committee Abdul Haris and security officer Suko Sutrisno. The other three are the head of operations section of the Malang Resort Police, Wahyu SS; Commander of Company III of the East Java Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob); Adj. Comr. Hasdarman and the head of Samapta Unit of the Malang Police, Adj. Comr. Bambang Sidik Achmadi.

Also read:

> TGIPF: Kanjuruhan Stadium Unfit for High-risk Matches

> Six Suspects Named for Neglecting Safety Factors

The head of the Indonesian National Police Gen. (Pol) Listyo Sigit Prabowo has also deactivated Malang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Ferli Hidayat and nine members of the East Java Police Mobile Brigade. This was followed by the change of the head of the East Java Police, Insp. Gen. Nico Afinta.

Determination of the suspects is the first step to thoroughly investigate this case, as urged by many parties. Disclosure of this case and determining all responsible parties will at least relieve the grief, physical and psychological losses experienced by the victims and their families.

KOMPAS/DAHLIA IRAWATI

Malang Mayor Sutiaji and his entourage paid tribute to the victim's family from Kedungkandang District, Tuesday (11/10/2022). The Malang City Government ensures that the families of the victims of the Kanjuruhan Tragedy receive compensation and psychological therapy services.

This tragedy also raised solidarity and support from various groups. The opposing groups of supporters have begun to unite their voices and try to bridge the rivalry between them.

The civil society community stepped in to help with trauma recovery, for victims, relatives and all those affected. A number of lawyers have provided legal assistance to the victims.

In terms of organizing football matches, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo's instructions to audit all stadiums used in Liga 1, Liga 2 and Liga 3 competitions paved the way for the country to have soccer stadiums that meet applicable safety standards. The role of the government is needed because all the stadiums used by the soccer clubs are owned by local governments.

Also read:

> Audit All Stadiums Used for League Matches

> Sanctions for Those Who are Guilty

The government's steps to immediately communicate with the International Football Federation (FIFA) also need to be appreciated and play a role in preventing Indonesia from being sanctioned. FIFA's commitment to assist Indonesia in a number of aspects, including fixing stadium safety standards, match security protocols and procedures, as well as match scheduling, can be a starting point for improving soccer competitions in Indonesia as a whole.

This incident is the nadir point and there is no other way but to rise and get better.

This article was translated by Hyginus Hardoyo.