TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo reported the latest update on the tragic incident in Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang of East Java, which has reportedly become one of the world’s worst stadium disasters.

The cause of the mass death was also confirmed separately by the Head of the Kanjuruhan Kepanjen Regional Hospital (RSUD), Bobi Prabowo.

As widely reported, the tragedy occurred after the League 1 football game between Arema FC of Malang and Persebaya of Surabaya at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on Saturday night, October 1, 2022. The latest reports are as follows:

Death Toll: 125 People

Listyo Sigit stated that 125 people died in the stadium crush. Previously, the death toll was noted at 130. “It has been verified to be 125, there were names recorded twice,” he said at a press conference at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on Sunday night, October 2, 2022.

The National Police Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team is working to identify victims.

Cause of Death: Injury and Shortness of Breath

The victims who died in the tragedy were generally due to injuries and shortness of breath after the police fired tear gas as fans invaded the pitch after the game. This was conveyed by the Kanjuruhan Kepanjen Regional Hospital (RSUD) Head Bobi Prabowo.

He explained that many victims died from trauma or injury as they were trampled and jostled while trying to exit the stadium. Many also suffocated from tear gas.

“Respiratory problems due to the tear gas smoke, being trampled on each other [are the cause of the death]. It needs further examination to determine the main cause,” said Bobi in Malang on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

A number of people were found dead with their faces already turned bluish color because of skin irritation by tear gas. For this reason, the police’s DVI and forensics team carried out further identification. “There are serious injuries, brain injuries. Trauma from impact and hypoxia due to lack of oxygen,” he added.

Police Ready to Audit and Conduct Legal Process for the Guilty Party

Listyo Sigit said that as ordered by President Jokowi, the police would launch a thorough investigation regarding the organizing and safety of the professional match. The team consisted of the criminal investigation unit, the internal affairs division (Propam), the health division (Dokkes), and the central forensic laboratory (Puslabfor).

“We are investigating this incident which caused many dead victims,” he asserted.

Sigit also stated that he would audit the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the security measures applied in the field. The team, he said, would explore who should be responsible for the loss of life in the stadium disaster and will be processed legally.

EKO WIDIANTO | ABDI PURMONO | ANTARA

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