TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Metro Police's Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Endra Zulpan confirmed that the smoke at the Gelora Bung Karno or GBK Main Stadium ahead of the 2022 AFF Cup semifinals was not from tear gas. Endra clarified that the smoke came from flares fired by visitors.

The personnel on duty immediately checked the situation. "It's not [tear gas], it's flares that are commonly used in a football game. We've checked it," said Zulpan in his statement, Friday, January 6, 2023.

The police appealed to supporters of the Indonesian football team to maintain public order. In addition, the use of flares was not permitted.

“We also urge the audience to maintain sportsmanship as a good host,” Zulpan underlined, claiming that the situation is under control thus far.

As widely known, the Indonesian national team would face the Vietnam national team in the first leg of the 2022 AFF Cup semifinals at the GBK Stadium, Jakarta. The game kicked off at 4:30 PM Jakarta time.

The police deployed 3,624 personnel, consisting of 212 military personnel (TNI) and 131 local government personnel, while the rest were from Jakarta Police and Central Jakarta Resort Police.

Zulpan also asked supporters of the Merah Putih team to refrain from doing disgraceful acts that could ultimately tarnish the good name of Indonesian football in the global eyes.

“Let's act as a good host, and uphold sportsmanship. Let’s respect our guests. In the second leg later, we will be guests in Vietnam. We also hope that our team will receive good treatment,” he said.

M. FAIZ ZAKI

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