Ministry invites Muslims to pray for Kanjuruhan Stadium tragedy victims

Persebaya supporters light candles while praying at Heroes Monument, Surabaya City, East Java Province, on Monday (October 3, 2022), for victims of the Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede. (ANTARA PHOTO/Didik Suhartono/hp/uyu)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Religious Affairs Ministry invites Indonesian Muslims to hold Salat al-Gha'ib, or absentee funeral prayer, for victims of Kanjuruhan Stadium riot that occurred in Malang District, East Java, on Saturday (October 1, 2022).

"It is suggested to all Muslims throughout Indonesia to perform Salat al-Gha'ib to show their concern for the victims, who passed away in the Kanjuruhan Stadium tragedy, Malang District, East Java Province," the director for Islamic Affairs and Sharia Guidance of the ministry, Adib, stated here on Tuesday.

He noted that a circular regarding the recommendation for performing the prayer had been issued.

The ministry will hold the Salat al-Gha'ib for the victims of the Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede at the Istiqlal Mosque after performing the weekly Friday prayer.

"The Salat al-Gha'ib will be performed to pray for the deceased and be held after the Friday prayer on October 7, 2022," the official stated.

On the same occasion, he also expressed his condolences for the victims of the tragedy.

He expected that a similar incident will not recur in future.

Earlier, Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali stated that the Independent Joint Fact-Finding Team (TGIPF), led by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, would work in synergy to investigate the tragedy.

"It is in line with the directive of President Joko Widodo," he noted.

Amali said he would also be a part of the team.

On Monday (October 3, 2022), Mahfud had announced the other team members comprising University of Indonesia academic Rhenald Kasali, Yogyakarta State University rector Sumaryanto, sports pundit Akham Mahali, sports journalist Anton Sanjoyo, former head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Doni Monardo, as well as former national football team player Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto.

In addition, former official of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)-licensed Security Officer Nugroho Setiawan, deputy head of National Sports Committee (KONI) Suwarno, former head of the West Kalimantan Regional Police Sri Handayani, as well as executive director of a non-governmental organization and think tank KEMITRAAN Laode M. Syarif would join the team. (*)