Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Inspection at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang Regency, East Java Province, October 5, 2022

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

This afternoon, I came to Kanjuruhan Stadium, in Malang regency to get an overview of the tragedy that occurred on October 1 night.

We are aware that the Independent Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGIPF) chaired by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs has been formed. We hope this team will be able to complete their duty immediately so that we know the main cause of the tragedy that happened on October 1 at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Malang.

I have ordered Minister of Public Works and Public Housing to audit the building, including the stadium, and all stadiums used in soccer leagues, be it Liga 1, Liga 2, and Liga 3.

I also ordered him to repair the doors, gates, stadium seating, fences, and others. That way, we can prioritize the safety of spectators.

That concludes my remarks.

Journalist
What did you find according to the inspection, Sir?

How is the situation?

President of the Republic Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The Independent Joint Fact-Finding Team will work out the details. As I walked around the field, I saw that the problem lies in a locked door, sharp edges on staircases, and the panic. That was what I saw on the field. The TGIPF will reveal investigation results eventually. Once again, the most important thing is that all stadiums building will be audited by Ministry of PUPR.

Journalist
How long does it take for stadium audit, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The TGIPF has set a target for one month. But I urged them to complete it soon as possible, in less than one month. The same goes for the stadium audit, one month target. At Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, the door was opened for 15 minutes but 80 spectators were able to come out. We should apply the same standards. On Monday, I spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying that FIFA is ready to help improve existing management.

We need to conduct a full evaluation, including match management, stadium management, spectator management, time management, and security management. All aspects of the game must be thoroughly evaluated to prevent such tragedy from happening again.

Journalist
The supporters gave a deadline of seven days after the incident or there will be mass action.

How do you respond to this matter, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will impose sanctions against the perpetrators. The National Police will also impose criminal sanctions. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing will audit the stadium. However, the team will eventually reveal the results.

Journalist
Will the football match stop during the audit, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We will hear that one from PSSI.

Journalist
Besides the investigation, are there any parties who should apologize? At least to the victims or their families, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Everything must be thoroughly evaluated by the Independent Joint Fact-Finding Team. Thank you. (RIF/EP)