A thorough examination of the fatal soccer hooliganism in Indonesia has once again been brought to the forefront following the tragic passing of Haringga Sirila. The 23-year-old supporter of Persija Jakarta lost his life after a group of Persib Bandung supporters attacked him before a heated soccer match at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium.
This incident has once again raised the question of whether Indonesia, a nation with a strong passion for soccer but limited success on the international stage, truly deserves the sport. The violence that has marred soccer matches in the country has left many reeling, with concerns about the safety of fans being at an all-time high.
The gravity of this issue is evident in the statistics. NGO Save Our Soccer (SOS) has documented a total of 70 deaths related to Indonesian soccer since 1995, with 21 of those casualties occurring as a result of mob violence. The PSSI, on the other hand, has recorded 95 soccer-related deaths in Indonesia since 2005, painting a grim picture of the current state of soccer hooliganism in the country.
Regrettably, Haringga’s case is not an isolated incident. Over the years, there have been numerous lethal clashes between supporters of different clubs. In many instances, innocent bystanders have been caught in the crossfire, further underscoring the need for immediate action to address this pervasive issue.
One of the primary concerns is the lack of effective measures taken by clubs and governing bodies to address this problem. Critics have pointed fingers at the PSSI for failing to provide adequate security at matches, leading to deadly incidents that could have potentially been prevented. Additionally, the lingering influence of internalized hostility among supporter groups has continued to perpetuate the cycle of violence.
In response to Haringga’s tragic passing, the PSSI has announced the suspension of all 2018 Go-Jek Liga 1 matches. This move is part of an effort to conduct an internal investigation into the incident and coordinate with the Asian Football Confederation, FIFA, and the Youth and Sports Ministry to find sustainable solutions.
Despite these measures, the underlying issue of widespread violence among soccer fans in Indonesia remains a pressing concern. More proactive steps need to be taken to address the root causes of this problem and promote a culture of respect and sportsmanship among supporters. The involvement of local governments in educating and engaging with fans is crucial in fostering a sense of responsibility and accountability among supporters.
Veteran Persija star Bambang Pamungkas has put forward a compelling proposal to institute a point-deduction system for clubs whose fans engage in violent behavior. This, he believes, would incentivize clubs to actively manage and discipline their fan base, thereby contributing to a safer and more harmonious soccer environment.
Ultimately, the safety and well-being of fans should be a top priority for all stakeholders involved in Indonesian soccer. It is imperative that decisive action is taken to address this issue and pave the way for a future where soccer matches are characterized by passion, camaraderie, and fair competition. Everyone deserves the right to enjoy the beautiful game without fear or danger.
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