Renovation work completed at scene of Indonesian stadium tragedy

Indonesian Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo has advised that renovation works at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java - scene of a deadly crowd stampede that led to the deaths of 135 people in October 2022 - have been completed.

During a visit to the venue on Saturday, the Minister advised that all facilities at the venue now meet the standards set by world football governing body FIFA.

With works overseen by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and FIFA, during the renovation period, an evacuation simulation was carried out in order to prepare the stadium for emergency situations such as the one that led to the incident in 2022.

The deaths occurred after fans invaded the pitch at the end of an Indonesian Premier League game between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya. Fans were met with teargas from Indonesian Police and the ensuing panic led to fans rushing for the stadium’s exits, which caused the crush.

Last year, FIFA announced a collaboration with the PSSI to raise stadium infrastructure standards in the country. Kanjuruhan Stadium was one of eight stadiums visited by a FIFA delegation.

In August last year, the Indonesian Government allocated IDR 2.87 trillion (US$175 million) towards improvements at 21 football stadia across the nation.

With Kanjuruhan Stadium having received around IDR 490 billion (US$30 million), Indonesian news agency Antara reported Minister Hanggodo as stating “we believe the stadium is now suitable for international matches.” Hanggodo said, according to Indonesian news agency Antara.

Airyn Saputri Harahap, Head of the East Java Regional Settlement Infrastructure Center (BPPW), said the stadium renovation focused on enhancing the safety and security of spectators, in accordance with FIFA regulations.

Explaining that that during the renovation, authorities conducted an evacuation simulation to prepare for emergency situations at the stadium, Harahap advised “additionally, we have established a standard for this matter, targeting a seven-minute evacuation process.”

Harahap added that the newly revitalized football venue now includes 16 seats designated for spectators with disabilities.

Referring to the 2022 Kanjuruhan stampede, which resulted in 135 fatalities and over 500 injuries, she said the tragedy serves as a lesson and reminder for all stakeholders to prioritize safety and security.

In March 2023, two football officials were handed prison sentences for their role in the disaster.

More recently, the Asia News Network advised that relatives of victims of the fatal 2022 stadium crush are seeking IDR 17.5 billion (US$1.1 million) in compensation.

Image: The refubished Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java. Credit: Antara Foto/Irfan Sumanjaya.