34 people died on the field of Kanjuruhan Stadium in East Java, all others in hospitals. There was initially no information about the cause of the violence.
The riots broke out after the first division game between Arema FC and Persebaya FC. After the 3-2 defeat in Malang, thousands of spectators stormed the pitch. Photos published on the tvOne channel’s website show, among other things, a completely destroyed car in the stadium. Further pictures show the storming of the square and smoke damage on the square and in the grandstands.
Two members of the police were also among the dead, said provincial police chief Afinta. Most people are said to have died from lack of oxygen. Around 180 people are still in clinics. 13 vehicles were damaged in the riots, including ten police vehicles.
The Arema and Persebaya football clubs expressed their condolences to the victims and their families. “Arema FC extends its deepest condolences for the disaster in Kanjuruhan. Arema FC’s management is also responsible for dealing with the casualties, both dead and injured,” said club boss Abdul Haris. The club will set up a crisis center and a victim information center. “To the families of the victims, the management of Arema FC sincerely apologizes and stands ready to provide compensation. Management stands ready to accept proposals for dealing with the disaster so that many are saved,” Haris said.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) suspended play in the first division for a week. Arema were banned from playing home games for the remainder of the season. In addition, the association had set up an investigation team that was supposed to start work on Sunday. “PSSI regrets the actions of Aremania supporters at Kanjuruhan Stadium. We are sorry and our apologies to the families of the victims and to everyone involved in the incident,” said Association President Mochamad Iriawan. The police will be assisted in the investigation.
Indonesia is considered a football-loving country. Although there is a lack of international success, there are always riots and violence around matches. In 2018, a fan was killed by a mob of supporters from a rival club. Indonesia will host the FIFA U-20 World Cup from 20 May to 11 June 2023 with 24 teams taking part. As the host, the country automatically qualifies for the cup.
The stampede is one of the worst disasters in football history. In 1964, more than 300 people died in a match between Peru and Argentina in Lima. The 1989 Hillsborough disaster killed 96 Liverpool fans and injured more than 700.