Violence erupted at a league match in Malang, East Java on October 1, killing over 130 individuals. A team of government officials, soccer experts, and security analysts hired to investigate the incident have determined tear gas was the primary cause of death.
According to CNN, after Arema FC was defeated by rival team Persebaya Surabaya, supporters of the losing team “invaded” the soccer pitch, provoking the police to release tear gas — a crowd control procedure banned by FIFA, the governing body of association football — on the crowds. Spectators rushed to the exits in a crush that ultimately killed at least 131, including two police officers.
In light of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which Indonesia will host, the Indonesian Police Association (PSSI) have announced a joint initiative with FIFA to improve crowd safety measures.
