The Cathedral Parish of the Malang Raya Diocese held a special funeral Mass to pray for the Kanjurahan Stadium football disaster victims in Malang, Indonesia, on October 18.
In his introduction, Father Yusuf Dimas Caesario, the head of the youth commission for the diocese of Malang Raya, said that the Eucharist celebration showed how much the church cared for the victims of this terrible disaster.
"The Church has a sense of compassion and humanity; we all unite to pray for our brothers and sisters who have perished, as well as those who are still unwell and their families,” said the priest.
Hundreds of people attended the Mass for the Kanjuruhan football victims, including Catholic youth, the relatives of the dead, and the official team of Arema Malang, known as Aremania.
Meanwhile, Father Daniel Aji Kurniawan, in his homily, spoke about the tragedy, which is not easily forgotten.
Even though it has been 17 days since the disaster on October 1, the priest recalled that people still feel bitter and painful memories of what happened.
He said, "This incident gave us all a contemplative experience."
“If we come together in prayer on this day, it is because of the feeling of humanity, of compassion," said the priest, adding that “within us motivates our hearts and souls and all of our bodies to be together.”
The added that if the association of faith is built on the name of love, then everyone would learn that love transcends distance and time, existing barriers, and brotherly links in addition to blood ties.
"As God-created humans, we all share a single heart, a single flavor, a single faith, and a single hope in God," Kurniawan said.
“This hope is what draws us all together tonight, added the priest, “We all hope our brothers and sisters who died in the Kanjuruhan tragedy will always have happiness, peace, and joy.”
Earlier, officials estimated that at least 134 people, including 33 children, had been killed and at least 180 had been hurt in the disaster.
After the local team lost to the rival Persebaya Surabaya, fans rushed to the field, and tear gas was used to get them to leave. People that were injured fled the scene.
The head of the Indonesian National Police, general Listyo Sigit Prabowo, named six suspects in the incident, one of the worst things to happen at a soccer stadium in recent years.
Six people, including the organizer of the soccer game and two police officers, have been charged with criminal negligence for causing death and bodily harm.
After the tragedy at Kanjuruhan, President Joko Widodo and FIFA President Gianni Infantino resolved to radically alter how football is played in Indonesia.
Jokowi remarked that one of the changes that would be made would be to enhance the security and safety of football players and spectators.
Indonesian football will be changed entirely, Jokowi said at the Merdeka Palace on October 18.
"Players and fans must ensure their safety and security for all parts of the match to adhere to FIFA's security criteria," he said.
Jokowi and Infantino met privately for around two hours to discuss the Kanjuruhan tragedy, which Infantino described as one of the darkest days in football history. - Kasmir Nema
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