Violent hooliganism by supporters of Jakarta’s football team, Persija, at their home ground of Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) stadium is unfortunately a rather regular occurrence, with one instance leading to the death of a fan just a month ago. Sadly, another riot broke out last Friday, during which one person died and dozens more were injured.
The latest riot reportedly began when Persija hosted Palembang’s Sriwijaya FC at GBK and the away team scored first.
“When Persija conceded to make it 1-0 to Sriwijaya, one Persija fan entered the pitch, which led to his friends joining him and the match stopped,” said Jakarta Metro Police Spokesman Awi Setiyono, as quoted by Kompas on Saturday.
The supporters then pelted various objects at the riot police officers in the stadium, who in return fired tear gas at the supporters.
Dozens of supporters were injured after being trampled in the chaos that ensued, while some reportedly almost suffocated from inhaling the tear gas. On the other side, five police officers were also injured.
One drink seller also died during the incident, but the police say he died due to complications caused by epilepsy.
The police arrested 155 Persija supporters following the riot. On Sunday, 15 police officers were also detained after being suspected of planning a retaliatory attack on Persija supporters.
Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama lamented how Persija supporters tend to behave when their team loses.
“There should be fan organizations. Educate them (the supporters). If they love Persija, don’t riot. Why is it that the Jakmania (Persija supporters) has to riot when Persija loses?” he said, as quoted by Detik.
There are no reports yet of possible sanctions against Persija.
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