MALANG – Indonesians gathered for Friday prayers mourned 131 people killed in a football crush six days ago amid calls for a prompt investigation into one of the world’s most deadly stadium disasters to enable its victims to rest in peace.
Most of those killed after the match in the town of Malang, in East Java province, died of asphyxiation, caught in a panicked crush as they tried to flee after police fired tear gas in an attempt to disperse a rowdy crowd.
At Al Fatih Mosque near Malang, an Islamic preacher led a tearful recital of tahlilan, or special prayers for the dead.
“Many of the supporters demand the case be immediately resolved so the souls of those who died can rest in peace,” said 53-year-old football fan Widodo after joining the prayer.
Widodo, who like many Indonesians uses one name, had been at Saturday’s (Oct 1) match but left early fearing things could turn bad.
Police have named six suspects in an investigation into the stampede, including match organisers and three officers who were present.
The deadly incident has fuelled accusations of heavy-handed policing in the football-mad Southeast Asian nation, with the use of tear gas inside the stadium – prohibited by world football’s governing body Fifa – widely criticised.
Messages and posters have been plastered on the stadium’s doors and walls, some demanding an end to “police brutality”, and Amnesty International Indonesia said on Friday that the tragedy “shows what can happen when excessive use of force by security forces is allowed to go on with impunity.”
President Joko Widodo said Fifa would not impose sanctions over the stampede and the government will work with football authorities to improve stadium safety standards.
“Fifa, together with the government, will form a team to transform Indonesia’s football and Fifa will work in Indonesia during the process,” he said in a video statement, adding that Fifa president Gianni Infantino would visit in October or November.
A copy of a Fifa letter in the video statement dated October 5 read: “Despite the severity of the event, and the fact that it could warrant a suspension by Fifa, a collaborative effort on the…immediate actions are proposed to be undertaken…”
These include a review and upgrade of stadium safety standards, police and stewarding protocols, social engagement with clubs and supporters and match scheduling.
The letter said this would be carried out with the joint oversight and involvement of Fifa, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Indonesian government in collaboration with the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).
Fifa declined to comment.
This article was first published in Asia One . All contents and images are copyright to their respective owners and sources.
