Indonesia Stampede Accident: The event started when Arema FC supporters flooded the field at the Kanjuruhan stadium following their 3-2 defeat to longtime rivals Persebaya Surabaya.
In response to mounting outrage over one of the deadliest football-related tragedies, Indonesia’s government on Monday urged the nation’s police to find and punish those responsible for a stadium stampede that claimed 125 lives.
In addition, 323 people were hurt in the catastrophe on Saturday night in Malang after police used tear gas in a crowded stadium to stop a pitch invasion, setting off a stampede.
Mahfud MD, Indonesia’s senior security minister, stated in a public statement: “We ask the national police to find the culprits who have committed crimes in the next few days.” He did not identify who he was referring to.
He continued, announcing the formation of a task team for the investigation: “We requested them to uncover who has perpetrated the offences and that punishment must be taken against them. We also expect the National Police would assess their security measures.
The incident started when Arema FC supporters invaded the field at the Kanjuruhan stadium following their 3-2 defeat to longtime rivals Persebaya Surabaya.
Witnesses claim that when police fired tear gas into crowded terraces in response, people scrambled to narrow gates where many were crushed or suffocated.
Two cops were killed in what the police described as a riot, but survivors claim that the officers overreacted and killed a number of bystanders, including a five-year-old youngster.
“One of our messages is for the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this (the tragedy). And we want to know who is responsible;” Andika, a 25-year-old man who chose not to provide his last name, stated.
He continued, “We demand justice for our fallen supporters.
