Malang Police Member Prostrates Apologizing for the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Observer: Hopefully It Can Convince the Public

Malang Police Member Prostrates Apologizing for the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, Observer: Hopefully It Can Convince the Public

The attitude of members of the Malang City Police who bowed down as a form of apology for the deaths of 131 people in the tragedy at the Kanjuruhan Stadium on October 1, 2022, was considered commendable. 

"When the police at Polresta Malang Kota prostrate in such a way, hopefully this can convince the public that the police really want to provide an antidote for the wound," said forensic psychology expert and police observer Reza Indragiri Amriel in a statement sent via message. WhatsApp on Monday (11/10/2022). 

Reza said the attitude of the police at the Malang City Police was similar to the sympathetic action carried out by police officers in the United States who kneeled as a gesture of apology after the death of a black minority citizen, George Floyd on May 25, 2020. 

The death of George Floyd also sparked demonstrations and riots in several cities in the United States. The public also urged the police in the US to abandon the culture of violence and brutality in dealing with society. 

According to Reza, the attitude of apology and remorse is very important as a form of regret for the people who lost family members in the incident. 

"Unlike criminal and ethical matters, which may take a few weeks or months to complete, the people's inner wounds will definitely open up for a very long time," said Reza. 

On the other hand, Reza hopes that the National Police will not only apologize but also improve themselves to be serious about carrying out internal reforms. 

"It's been booming for decades, and echoed again in recent days, but how will the reforms be carried out?" Reza said. 

The Head of Malang City Police, Kombes Budi Hermanto, bows down with other police officers during the morning rally at the Mapolresta Malang City courtyard, Monday (10/10/2022). 

He said the kneeling and prostrating actions were carried out to apologize to God Almighty. 

In addition, he added, the action was also a form of apology to the victims of the Kanjuruhan tragedy and their families. 

Not only kneeling and prostrating, Buher, Budi Hermanto's nickname, also prayed with other members of the police, including the Main Officials (PJU) and Kapolsekta in Malang City Police. 

"We pray that our brothers and sisters, Aremania and Aremanita, victims of the Kanjuruhan tragedy can be accepted by Him and the bereaved families are given fortitude, and we together ask forgiveness from Allah SWT so that this incident does not happen again," said Buher. 

He also hoped that the security and public order (Kantibmas) in Malang could return to being conducive. 

"We also hope that the situation will return to conducive and the issue of the Kanjuruhan tragedy will be resolved soon," said Buher. 

Head of Public Relations of Malang City Police, Ipda Eko Novianto admitted that the act of apologizing and praying together for the victims of the Kanjuruhan tragedy was carried out spontaneously. 

"The apologies and prayers were directed by the Malang City Police Chief, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto spontaneously at the apple," said Eko, quoted from Antara, Monday (10/10/2022). 

He said there were approximately 100 members of the Malang City Police who took part in the mass prostration during the morning rally. 

"This is a form of our empathy. There is an emotional bond between us (police) and the community," he explained. 

In addition to the death toll from the audience, there were 2 policemen who died as a result of being trapped in the crush at the exit access. They are First Brigadier Fajar Yoyok Pujiono and Brigadier Andik Purwanto. 

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo on October 6, 2022 announced that six people were named suspects in the Kanjuruhan tragedy. 

They are Akhmad Hadian Lukita (Director of LIB), Abdul Harris (Chairman of Panpel), Suko Sutrisno (Security Officer), Wahyu SS (Head of Ops Police Malang), H (Brimob Polda Jatim), BSA (Kasat Samapta Polres Malang).