The match between Arema FC and Persebaya which was held on Saturday night (01/10/2022), left a big wound for Indonesia and the world. This match took place at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, Indonesia. No one thought that a heartbreaking tragedy which took many victims would occur that night.
This incident started when Aremania (Arema FC’s fans) entered the field for not accepting their favorite football club’s defeat. At first, the police tried to divert attention by spraying water cannons and it didn’t work. Tear gas was finally used, but instead it caused a huge chaos that caused people to rush out and push each other.
On October 2, 2022, It was estimated that 125 people died in this incident, putting Indonesia in the 2nd place of the highest death case in world football history. Thousands of condolences were given by public figures and the community. Some of them came from Lee Min Ho, Wayne Rooney (Manchester United’s Legend), and Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid’s former player). Lee Min Ho posted his condolence on his instagram account while Wayne Rooney and Sergio Ramos both posted it on their twitter account.
“Pray for indonesia kanjuruhan,” said Lee Min Ho in his caption on October 2, 2022.
“Devastating to hear of the events at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia last night. Shocking news. Thoughts are with all family and friends and everyone affected,” tweeted Wayne Rooney.
“Heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. #Indonesia”, tweeted Sergio Ramos on October 2, 2022.
From this tragedy, Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo, conveyed his condolences and commanded the temporary suspension of the PSSI football league until an evaluation and improvement of security was carried out. The Legal Defense Fund (LBH) declared some of their attitudes towards this tragedy such as condemning the repressive actions of the apparatus, urging the state to immediately conduct an investigation, and so on.
Bingkai Karya expresses our deep condolences to all victims and the families that lost their loved ones.
