Police chief fired after 125 dead at Indonesia stadium

Amid national commotion and growing outrage, Indonesia is seeking explanations for the tragedy at the Karnjurhan stadium in the city of Malang, where 175 people died, including 32 children, and 323 were injured after a riot during a football match. The local police chief was removed, and nine officers were suspended.

The confusion erupted when Arema FC fans invaded the pitch after the team lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya, the first defeat for their rivals in more than two decades.

Police responded by firing tear gas canisters into the packed stands, prompting a desperate rush from fans. As the stadium gates were small, many people were crushed or suffocated, according to witnesses.

Security forces called the incident a “riot”, in which two officers died, but fans accused the police of overreacting and causing the death of many people.

This Monday (3), the first sanctions were applied: Malang’s police chief, Ferlo Hidayat, was removed, and nine officers were suspended, announced the spokesman of the National Police, Dedi Prasetyo.

He indicated that investigators are analyzing the footage from the stadium’s security cameras and pointed out that 28 police officers have been questioned, especially about the use of tear gas in the stadium.

Arema FC president Gilang Widya Pramana apologized and took responsibility for the incident.

“As president of Arema FC, I will take full responsibility for what happened. I apologize deeply to the victims, their families, all Indonesians and Liga 1”, he said.

Human rights groups demanded an independent commission and demanded that police be held accountable for using tear gas in an enclosed space.

Criticism of the police is increasingly intense. Arema FC coach, Chilean Javier Roca, said that “some fans died in the players’ arms”.

“Young people walked by with victims in their arms. I think the police crossed the line,” he told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the tragedy a “dark day for football”.

Compensation to families

“According to the latest information we have received, of the 125 people who died in the accident, 32 were children, the youngest being a boy aged three or four,” said Nahar, from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection – who, like many Indonesians, has only one name.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered compensation to the victims’ families.

“As a sign of condolences, the president will donate 50 million rupees [US$ 3.200 ou R$ 16,5 mil] for each deceased victim,” said Security Minister Mahfud MD, who promised to deliver the money within a day or two.