the Episcopal Conference urges to ‘foster kindness’

The condolences of the Indonesian government and Church for the victims of the Kanjuruhan stadium riots. So far, they confirm 127 dead in the incidents after the police fired tear gas at the fans who invaded the field. The government will create an independent investigation team.

Jakarta () – Several Indonesian authorities and priests expressed their condolences for the tragedy that occurred at the Malang stadium, on the island of Java, where 127 people died in the violence that broke out after a soccer match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya. It is estimated that the number of dead will increase in the coming hours: many injured are hospitalized in serious condition and in the absence of personal documents, dozens of bodies have not yet been identified.

The match ended 3-2 in favor of Persebaya Surabaya. According to the Minister of Security, the Kanjuruhan stadium accommodated 4,000 more people than its capacity allowed. For his part, the local police chief reported that some 3,000 people – fans of Arema FC, who played at home – broke into the field at the end of the game. The police used tear gas and many people were crushed by the crowd.

“I express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families,” President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said in a video posted on his YouTube channel. The government will create an independent investigation team led by the Minister of Security. Football matches in Indonesia’s top league, League 1, will remain suspended until further notice.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Malang, Monsignor Henricus Pidyarto Gunawan, also expressed his condolences “to all the families who lost their loved ones during yesterday’s football tragedy. I pray for all the deceased. I hope that the merciful God welcomes the dead and that all the wounded recover quickly”, continued the prelate, in dialogue with .

“I really hope that these families receive moral support. I also urge the Indonesian authorities and the Indonesian Football Association, together with the State Security Agency, to carry out a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.” , so that such an incident never happens again,” added Father Hans Jeharut, secretary of the Office of the Commission for the Laity of the Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia (KWI). Dozens of other priests echoed the call and asked for prayers for the victims.

“For me, this is not the time to blame each other, but to go hand in hand to offer help to those who need it,” said Father Peter Christian Siswanto, executive secretary of the KWI. “Yesterday’s incident should be an opportunity for all Indonesian people to learn true sportsmanship: it’s not just about competing, but also about ‘promoting kindness’ when losing a game. Key values ​​that should be learned not only by athletes and officials, but also fans”.