THE Indonesian Military (TNI) has assured that it will prosecute its members who committed violence while dispersing riots during the recent tragedy at a soccer match in East Java in which 125 lives were lost.
TNI commander Andika Perkasa said military officers who have been found guilty in the Saturday (Oct 1) incident at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang, will face criminal punishment.
“The actions (of TNI personnels) in the video that went viral yesterday (Oct 3) were not in the context of self-defence,” Indonesian media quoted him as saying, Bernama reported.
“It is a criminal act because civilians may never want to confront the army.”
Andika also urged the public to send videos of the actions of military personnel who committed extreme violence during the incident to them so action can be taken.
In a video that went viral on social media, members of the military, who were also involved in security at the stadium, acted violently by kicking football fans.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian police have fired Malang’s police chief and are investigating more than nine officers who were found to be responsible for releasing tear gas inside the stadium.
The tragedy occurred after the Arema FC team lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya, sparking the anger of its supporters who entered the field to confront the team’s players and officials after the match.
“Tense situation”
However, the situation grew tense, leading to security forces releasing tear gas and causing thousands of supporters on the field to rush out of the stadium through one of the gates, leading to a stampede.
Video footage from local news channels showed people rushing onto the pitch in the stadium in Malang and images of body bags. At least 125 people were killed, including 32 children, and around 180 injured.
The security team for the match is under pressure for using tear gas in closed areas – a violation of stadium guidelines set by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Government has established a special committee to investigate the tragedy, with results into the probe, along with recommendations, to be relayed to President Joko Widodo after two to four weeks.
Special committee head Mahfuz MD, who is also the coordinating minister of political, legal and security affairs, also ordered National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo to immediately reveal the names of those who caused the tragedy.
Bernama added that Jakarta will deliver a compensation of 50 mil rupiah (around RM15,000) to each family who died in the tragic incident.
Indonesia is to host the FIFA under-20 World Cup in May and June next year.
They are also one of three countries bidding to stage next year’s Asian Cup, the continent’s equivalent of the Euros, after China pulled out as hosts. – Oct 4, 2022
Main photo credit: AP
