Indonesian authorities reduce death toll to 125 in Malaing stadium tragedy

Indonesian authorities have rectified the death toll in the tragedy at Kanjuruhan stadium in the Javanese region of Malaing, where at least 125 people were killed in a pitch invasion and subsequent human stampede triggered by police response during a match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya Surabaya.

The excess deaths were due to some bodies being counted more than once, national police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo has explained.

“According to the verification of the Police Disaster Victim Identification Unit and the Health office, the death toll is 125,” he has pointed out.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered the suspension of all domestic league matches until there is clarity on what he described as a “real humanitarian tragedy.” “This cannot be repeated in the future,” the president added during an appearance before the nation.

“I ask the security forces, and most especially the Police Headquarters, to immediately investigate what happened,” he said.

For its part, the Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has said it “regrets the actions of the fanatics” and reported that it has formed an investigation team that has gone to the city of Malang where the stadium is located.

In addition, the PSSI has indicated that it supports the Police in the investigation of the case and has assured that this incident “is tarnishing the face of Indonesian soccer.”

“For the time being, we will stop the League 1 2022/2023 competition for one week. In addition, the Arema FC team is banned from hosting for the rest of the competition this season,” the federation said in a press release.

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