Indonesia: Investigation Launched Over Deadly Soccer Stampede
On Monday, Indonesia's chief security minister, Mahfud MD announced the establishment of an independent investigation into a deadly stampede that took place on Saturday at a soccer match in Malang, East Java.
Facts
- On Monday, Indonesia's chief security minister, Mahfud MD announced the establishment of an independent investigation into a deadly stampede that took place on Saturday at a soccer match in Malang, East Java.
- This comes a day after hundreds of people attended vigils to honor the victims and demanded an investigation into the police actions that took place outside the Kanjuruhan Stadium and in the country's capital, Jakarta.
- After supporters of host Arema FC invaded the playing area to protest against a 3-2 loss against rivals Persebaya Surabaya, riot police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse the crowd. At least 125 people died, including 32 children, and more than 323 were injured as spectators fled the venue.
- Though soccer's world governing body FIFA stresses in its safety guidance that "crowd control gas" shouldn't be used or carried by personnel or police inside stadiums, East Java's police chief Nico Afinta has claimed that this was the last resource to stop the violence.
- Indonesia's Pres. Joko Widodo has urged all national top-league games to be suspended until an investigation is concluded, while also ordering a safety review and "security" improvements.
- Hooliganism and violence have long spoiled soccer in the country, with 78 deaths recorded in game-related incidents over the past 28 years, according to local watchdog Save Our Soccer.
Sources: New York Times, Jakarta Post, Guardian, BBC News, and Al Jazeera.
Narratives
- Narrative A, as provided by The Jakarta Post. This tragedy isn't an accident, but a grave crime. If the police hadn't over-responded to the playing field surge by fans, this bloodbath wouldn't have occurred. The announced independent investigation will ensure that truth will come out – preventing police cover-ups – and those responsible will be held accountable.
- Narrative B, as provided by DW. This is a deeper structural problem in Indonesia. Though needed, investigating police actions and holding those responsible accountable isn't enough. Police aren't equipped or trained to deal properly with soccer crowds, despite fans having an infamously violent culture. On top of that, Indonesia's sports facilities lack standard security protocols. A deeper review needs to happen.
