Title: Families Seek Justice and Reopening of Kanjuruhan Stadium Disaster Investigation
Subtitle: Demands for Justice Grow as Families of Victims Rally for Proper Accountability
Date:
In a powerful display of unity and resilience, families of the victims affected by the horrifying Kanjuruhan football stadium disaster in Indonesia have come together to demand justice and the reinitiation of investigations. Gathering at the National Police Headquarters in Jakarta, they aimed to highlight the devastating incident as a serious human rights violation, leaving a lasting impact on all those who lost their loved ones.
Clad in somber black t-shirts adorned with a heartfelt plea of “Never Forget, 1 October, 2022,” family members bravely carried photographs of their cherished ones who fell victim to the tragedy. The loss of 135 innocent lives and the injuries sustained by hundreds more during the event’s chaotic aftermath have left the community desperate for answers, accountability, and closure.
Initial investigations into the disaster revealed that the catastrophe primarily occurred due to police shooting tear gas at spectators, creating a panic-stricken rush for the exits. Shockingly, however, only five individuals, three police officers, and two organizers have faced trial thus far, with family members expressing their dissatisfaction towards the lenient prison sentences handed down.
In an effort to shed light on the tragedy and compel authorities to revisit the case, demonstrations have also taken place at the office of Komnas HAM, the state’s human rights institution. Family members, alongside an advocacy team, are now calling on the Attorney General’s Office to form an independent team to re-examine the incident thoroughly. Their hope is that an unbiased investigation will provide victims and their families with the justice they rightly deserve.
Survivors who emerged from the crushed chaos have also come forward, alleging excessive force by armed riot police officers, who resorted to kicking and beating individuals. These harrowing accounts further propel the need for a truly objective evaluation of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
While President Joko Widodo has announced plans to demolish and rebuild the stadium, the project remains largely abandoned. This delays the healing process for those affected, who are left grappling with the promise of justice being withheld.
Rights groups continue to voice their disappointment regarding the ongoing legal process and the lack of justice for both the victims and their grieving families. As these families tirelessly advocate for justice, it is our hope that their voices are heard, prompting immediate action and ensuring that the victims of this inexplicable tragedy are never forgotten.
