The crowd movement also injured more than 300 people, some of whom are between life and death in hospitals in the city of Malang, in the east of the island of Java.

"According to the latest data we have, out of 125 people who have died, 32 are children, the youngest of whom is two or three years old," Nahar, an official from the Ministry of Women and Protection, told AFP. from childhood.

In the face of public anger, the first sanctions fell on Monday with the dismissal of Malang city police chief Ferli Hidayat and the suspension of nine police officers, according to national police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo.

Security Minister Mahfud MD earlier called on Indonesian police to "identify" those who "perpetrated the crimes" and crack down.

"If" there had not been tear gas, there might not have been any chaos, "said Choirul Anam, a member of the National Commission for Human Rights, during a meeting. briefing.

Saturday night's drama at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang took place when fans of local side Arema FC entered the pitch after their side lost 3-2 to neighboring Persebaya Surabaya.

Onlookers then rushed en masse to narrow doorways where many were trampled on and choked, witnesses said.

Police, two of whom were killed in the tragedy, described the incident as a "riot".

But the survivors accuse him of having overreacted, causing the death of more than a hundred spectators.

“Some must be held to account. Who must be condemned?” said Andika, who declined to give her last name.

"We demand justice for our missing supporters," the 25-year-old Malang football fan asked.

"A Great Cemetery"

A witness assured that the police refused to intervene at the time of the fatal crowd movement.

"The place looked like a big cemetery. Women and children were piled on top of each other," Eko Prianto, 39, told AFP.

"I rushed to the police and soldiers to help. There was no rescuer in sight. The police did not help and a soldier threatened to beat me."

National police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo said investigators were analyzing CCTV footage to identify "suspects who carried out destruction".

They also questioned 28 police officers, in particular about the use of tear gas canisters.

On television, the president of the Malang football club, Gilang Widya Pramana, apologized in tears on Monday.

His team visited the site of the tragedy on Monday, its members dressed in black T-shirts to pay their respects to the victims and lay flowers, before gathering on the ground for prayers.

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An independent investigation called for

Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced on Sunday the opening of an investigation.

Monday he promised the payment of compensation to the families of victims of 50 million rupees (3,200 dollars).

But several human rights groups have demanded an independent investigation and that the police explain the use of tear gas in a confined space.

"These losses of human life cannot go unanswered," Amnesty International said in a statement.

Human Rights Watch called on the International Football Federation (Fifa) to carry out its own investigation and make it public.

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Fifa President Gianni Infantino called the tragedy "a tragedy beyond imagining".

The Brazilian Pelé, living legend of football, for his part wished on Instagram "a lot of peace and love to the people of Indonesia".

"The pain of defeat does not justify losing love for the next," insisted the triple world champion.

Minister Mahfud MD said members of the commission of inquiry would be chosen from among government officials, analysts, football officials, media and academics.

The authorities will announce the results of the investigation as soon as possible, he said, estimating that "the mission could be concluded in the next two or three weeks".

Anger

Criticism of the authorities has rocketed, online and from witnesses.

"Fans have died in the arms of the players," Javier Roca, Chilean coach of Indonesian club Arema, told Spanish radio Cadena Ser on Sunday, saying "the police went too far".

Fan violence has been a long-standing problem in Indonesia, where club rivalries have often resulted in deadly clashes.

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For the game on Saturday, Persebaya Surabaya fans were not allowed to buy tickets for fear of incidents.

© 2022 AFP