Jokowi Talks on Many Cases of Football Fanaticism Deaths

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko `Jokowi` Widodo offered his deepest condolences following the tragic death of Haringga Sirla, a Persija football team supporter that was brutally killed by a mob consisting of dozens of Persib supporters.

The president recorded 16 instances of a supporter’s death in similar case in the past eight months which he deemed too high.

“I offer my deepest condolences for the death of yet another supporter, 16 is too high. Do not let fanaticism go off the rails and turn into criminal activities. This must be stopped since sport honors sportive behavior,” said President Jokowi today, Sept. 25.

Regarding deaths related to football hooliganism, Jokowi called for every stakeholder such as the Sports and Youth Ministry (Menpora), Indonesian Football Association (PSSI), and supporter fan-bases, to overcome such incidents and provide a solution. 

According to Jokowi, it is important for such actions to be handed significant sanctions that will guarantee for similar events will not recur in the future.

“Even though it would not guarantee another recurrence, the most important thing is for the Menpora, PSSI, and supporters, especially fanatics, to sit together and ask what is happening? That’s what needs to be solved,” said president Jokowi.

ANTARA