Six supporters of Surabaya soccer club Persebaya have died after consuming bootleg liquor in Subang, West Java, while on their way to Bandung to support their club during the Soccer Association of Indonesia’s (PSSI) annual congress.

The congress was set to decide whether Persebaya could once again join the competition. 

The West Java Police suspected the liquor was a mix of soda, coconut water and 70 percent alcohol. Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Yusri Yunus said almost 20 people left Surabaya in a car on Jan. 4 before arriving in Subang on Jan. 6, where a supporter of Bandung football club Persib, named Singgih, picked them up. Supporters of Persib and Persebaya are known to have friendly ties.

The group stayed the night at Singgih’s house in Subang regency, where they consumed the liquor. In the morning they rode a pick-up truck to Bandung. Three of them died on the way while four became sick. Three more died while receiving medical treatment at Ciereng Hospital.

The victims have been identified as Brian Adam Firdaus, 17; Rudi, 23; Hasrul, aka Foka, 22; Nasif, 18; Cahya Kurniawan, 22; and Sahrul, 18.

Yusri said two supporters were still undergoing medical treatment as of Monday. He said the police had questioned Singgih but had yet to name any suspects.

On Sunday, the congress decided to allow Persebaya to rejoin the major competition. (evi)

Popular

Essay competition: ‘Rethinking work: Driving sustainable growth in the digital age’

Reform era draws to a close

A Fold in Time: Southeast Asia's women artists explore identity, history