He was in the city of Malang to visit relatives of the victims and those wounded in a stampede that killed at least 131 people on Saturday, and to see the stadium where the tragedy took place.

The President’s trip came as anger grew over the police response to a field invasion during which officers fired tear gas into packed stands as fans of Arema FC tried to approach players following their defeat to fierce rival Persebaya Surabaya.

"I want to know the root of the problem that caused this tragedy so that we can get the best solution," he told reporters outside Saiful Anwar Hospital in Malang.

"I will order the Public Works and Housing Ministry to audit all stadiums used for the [soccer] league," he said.

Jokowi added that he had spoken with FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday about improving Indonesia's "football management" and possible assistance from the world soccer governing body.

He had earlier entered the hospital to speak with several wounded patients, saying he told them to "keep up their spirits", and asked them about what happened on the night of the match.

He then traveled to Kanjuruhan stadium, the scene of the disaster.

"We need [...] improvements in the whole management, the management of stadium spectators, time, security. It must all be fully audited so that this tragedy won't happen again," the President said.

Police described the field invasion as a riot and said two officers were killed, but survivors accused them of overreacting.

Officers responded with force, kicking and hitting fans with batons, according to witnesses and footage, pushing the spectators back into the stands where many were trampled or suffocated to death after tear gas was fired.

'Late commands'

In response to the tragedy, Jokowi has ordered all matches to be suspended, an investigation into what happened, and compensation for victims. 

Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD said a task force had been created and that the probe would take two to three weeks.

Police said the investigation was focusing on six gates at the stadium using CCTV footage from cameras placed outside them. They said the exits were open but too small for the crowds attempting to pass through them.

But Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) spokesperson said on Tuesday that some gates that should have been opened 10 minutes before the final whistle remained closed.

They stayed shut "because of late commands" and officers "had not arrived", he told a press conference.

The Malang Police chief was replaced on Monday, nine officers were suspended and 19 others were put under investigation, according to police.

'Not going there'

Witnesses described being shrouded in smoke, their eyes stinging as they rushed for  the small exit doors. Several said the police stood by and refused to help victims.

"The place looked like a mass cemetery. Women and children were piling on top of one another," Eko Prianto, 39, told AFP.

The PSSI also moved on Tuesday to sanction Arema FC, banning its organizing committee chairman and a security officer from soccer for life and fining the club Rp 250 million (US$16,500).

Maike Ira Puspita, the association's deputy secretary-general, told AFP that away fans had been banned due to fears of violence and said the match passed without incident until spectators entered the field after the final whistle.

She said the association had sanctioned the club and its officials "due to the [...] negligence of the whole situation". 

But the actions of the police were outside of the association's scope, the official said.

"We are not going to go there," she said, refusing to answer questions about their conduct.