REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) has decided to stop League 1 competition until an unspecified time. Termination was meant to evaluate and investigate thoroughly the death case of Persija Jakarta supporter, Haringga Sirila.
The termination of the competition was decided on the PSSI Executive Committee (Exco) emergency forum in Jakarta on Tuesday (Sept 25). According to PSSI general chairman Edy Rahmayadi the decision was a form of their concern during periods of mourning.
“This is a form of our concern in a periods of mourning towards the deceased (Haringga)," said Edy.
Edy said League 1 would be temporarily stopped from the 24th week. The entire series of matches on Friday (Sept 21) and forward completely postponed.
Edy said PSSI had formed an independent investigation team regarding the death of Haringga. The team would work closely with many parties, including with PT Liga Indonesia Baru (LIB), Persib Bandung, Persija Jakarta, and the police.
Result of their investigation would determine sanction against Persib. PSSI Disciplinary Commission (Komdis) as the internal court body of the national football competition would decide the form of sanction. However, Edy said Exco PSSI also has the right to give recommendations, starting from warnings and fines to reduction in standings and disqualification.
Before the PSSI announced the termination of the competition, the players who were members of the Association of Professional Footballers (APPI) expressed their stance to strike on the 24th week of League 1. In its statement, APPI condemned the deadly attack against Haringga.
Haringga was beaten to death near Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) stadium in Bandung. He was punched, kicked, and some used tools to beat him. Hundreds of bystanders did not come to his aid.
In Haringga’s death case, there were eight suspects who arrested. They are Goni Abdulrahman (20), Aditya Anggara (19), Dadang Supriatna (19), SMR (17), DFA (16), Budiman (41), Cepy Gunawan (20), and Joko Susilo (31). They are charged under Article 170 Criminal Code (KUHP).
"Our position statement is a form of player's responsibility for the events that took place at GBLA," APPI chairman Ponaryo Astaman said.
APPI invited all captains and several players from 18 clubs in League 1 to made joint statement. Three club representatives who were absent, namely Medan PSMS, Persipura Jayapura, and Persib Bandung, agree to support APPI decision.
Some players who attended the statement of the strike strike attitude were Persija Jakarta players Bambang Pamungkas and Andritany Ardiyasa. In addition, there were Bayu Pradana from Mitra Kukar and Abduh Lestaluhu from PS Tira. Persebaya represented Ruben Sanadi and Rendi Irawan.