Many Still Come to Pray, Check out Kanjuruhan Stadium After the Tragic Incident - Overgrown Bushes Surround the Field

Kapanlagi.com - After the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, on October 1, 2022, Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang Regency has never been used for football matches or other activities. The match between Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya, which later led to a tragic incident resulting in the loss of 135 lives, became the last match until now.

For investigation reasons, since then the stadium has been closed to anyone, except officials and politicians for the purpose of uncovering the case. Indonesian President, Joko Widodo at that time also paid attention by visiting the location, and then pushed for renovations to meet FIFA standards. 

So, what is the condition of Kanjuruhan Stadium now after that tragic incident?

1. Condition of Neglected Kanjuruhan Stadium After the Tragic Incident on October 1, 2022

Condition of Neglected Kanjuruhan Stadium / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Through the gaps of Gate 2, piles of garbage can be seen here and there. Overgrown bushes and grass cover every corner of the field.

The once green grass of the football field is no longer visible, only overgrown bushes can be seen. Some of the grass appears yellow due to the scorching heat.

Through Gate 2 as well, the white goal posts with their nets on the west side still stand in their place. The height of the goal posts begins to compete with the bushes.

Meanwhile, the scoreboard LCD can be seen standing in the distance with both of its supporting poles. The white score box is left detached in certain parts.

However, the super large writing 'Salam Satu Jiwa' fills the entire North Tribune and looks bright. The white writing with a blue, red, and gray background dominates the face of the stadium.

Meanwhile, among the grass, LED boards can be seen surrounding the field. The electronic boards are starting to be covered by bushes. Only a row of black screens can be seen among the grass around the field.

"The grass is taller than my thighs. It's clear even from the hole in the southern door," said Khoirul Abidin, a resident of Bululawang who claims to often play at Kanjuruhan Stadium.

2. No Activities Held Inside Kanjuruhan Stadium Anymore

Peek into Kanjuruhan Stadium after the tragic incident / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

Khoirul explained that since the Kanjuruhan Tragedy, there have been no activities held inside the stadium. Therefore, all 14 doors are closed or never opened.

Except for the main entrance which is also the access to the Youth and Sports Office of Malang Regency. Several staff members in civil servant attire can be seen going back and forth around the main entrance, which is always guarded by security personnel.

Similar to Khoirul, Muhammad Nahjib, who often hangs out around the stadium, also mentioned this. The community and Aremania have been active outside the stadium.

3. Kanjuruhan Stadium Will be Renovated

Kanjuruhan Stadium Will be Renovated / Photo Credit: KapanLagi.com/Darmadi Sasongko

"Many people still come to pray at Gate 13. Yesterday, Pak Midun also departed from here, riding a bike to Jakarta," he said.

Meanwhile, from several documents obtained by merdeka.com, it shows that the benches have shifted location. This shift is suspected to be caused by the chaos during the Kanjuruhan Tragedy. Dusty VIP spectator seats can also be seen.

Kanjuruhan Stadium itself is currently being prepared for renovation. Some vendors around the area have started preparations to be relocated to a temporary location.

(kpl/dar/slm)