Jakarta – dpa
Posted on: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 – 10:15 AM | Last update: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 – 10:15 am
Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Wednesday visited the victims of a weekend soccer stadium stampede that killed more than 130 people, amid calls for accountability in the wake of one of the world’s deadliest sporting disasters.
Widodo’s aide said the president will hand out a symbolic aid of more than 50 million rupees ($3,300) to each family who lost a loved one in the accident at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang last Saturday night.
The Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection stated that regarding 133 people died in the accident, including 37 minors aged 17 or younger.
Chaos erupted following thousands of fans stormed the field when home team Arima FC lost 3-2 to Persibaya Surabaya. Police fired tear gas in an attempt to get the fans out of the stadium, prompting crowds to rush to the exit gates.
The Indonesian Football Association said on Tuesday that the delay in opening the gates contributed to the stampede.
But national police spokesman Didi Prasetyo said the gates near the stampede site were open but very small.
Yesterday, the Indonesian Football Association announced that two officials from the Arima club, which was hosting the fateful match, were banned from working in the professional sports field for life.