At least 174 people were killed in a stampede incident during a BRI Liga 1 match at the Kanjuruhan Stadium in Malang, East Java province. The incident, which happened after angry fans invaded the pitch following the match, has gone down in football history as one of the worst stadium disasters.

However, this is not the first time that the East Asian country under the scanner for football-related violence. According to Akmal Marhali, an activist with NGO Save Our Soccer, at least 78 people had died due to match-related violence till September 2019. 

Also read: Indonesia Kanjuruhan Stadium stampede: Death toll rises to 174

That record is set to change after the incidents at the Kanjuruhan Stadium.

Here’s a look at some incidents of football violence in Indonesia.

Indonesia vs Malaysia (2019)

Indonesia and Malaysia are considered arch footballing rivals and their faceoffs are often high-voltage. The most recent clash which led to violence was at the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier match between the two countries in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2019. 

The supporters got involved in a brawl after which the Malaysian fans were threatened and pelted with projectiles. The Malaysian sports minister, who was present as a guest at the stadium, had to be evacuated after things got heated up. 

Reuters reported that flares, bottles and other objects were thrown onto the pitch during the match, and at least one Indonesian fan was arrested in it. 

Indonesia vs Vietnam Under-22 match (2019)

The Under 22 match between Indonesia and Vietnam at the finals of the South East Asian games saw online violence. Indonesian supporters insulted Vietnam fans through rampant social media trolls. The players were also not spared with many receiving even death threats. Many players said that their family members were also threatened with violent messages. 

Also read: Hillsborough disaster 1989: What happened at one of the deadliest sporting tragedies in history

Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung (2018, 2022)

The most well-known football feud in Indonesia is between Persija Jakarta and Persib Bandung. The fans of the two clubs have clashed in several matches often leading to deaths. In 2018, a lynching incident took place in which a Persija Jakarta supporter was beaten to death by rival fan groups.

Again, two Persib Bandung fans died due to a stampede during the  2022 President’s Cup tie between the two teams. The incident happened when angry supporters of the two teams tried to enter the already full stadium after the local law enforcement tried to prevent them.