Indonesian police suspects groups provoked students to rampage in Makassar riot

Indonesian police suspects groups provoked students to rampage in Makassar riot

2010-12-11 04:28:30 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BNO NEWS) -- Indonesia's South Sulawesi police department on Friday said that it suspects that 'certain groups' provoked students to rampage against law enforcement during the Makassar riot, the Jakarta Post reported.

"We have detected the presence of groups who have infiltrated and provoked the students' actions. These groups are opportunists. We will reveal them, but not immediately," said South Sulawesi police chief Jhony Waenal Usman.

Usman added that a demonstration to mark the International Human Rights Day went out of control and that the students did not comply with the lecturers' call for calm due to the presence of provocateurs. Meanwhile, Makassar students demand authorities to investigate a police shooting against university students on Thursday.

Students threw stones and Molotov bombs at police posts and vehicles. As a result, three police officers were injured as well as an automobile showroom attendant who was hit on the head with a stone.

Overall, students stoned three police posts, one of which suffered heavy damage due to Molotov bombs, and attacked three police patrols and a police motorcycle. Authorities said that those who damaged police property will be prosecuted.

Students from Muhammadiyah University Makassar were the first to go on the rampage when they were heading to a meeting spot with other students from Indonesian Muslim University and the University 45 Makassar.

The gathering in front of the South Sulawesi gubernatorial office was organized to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day. Two Indonesian Muslim University students were injured after being hit by rubber bullets from the police forces.

"Officers only used blank bullets and rubber bullets. The shots were not even aimed at people, so the shots were not dangerous. They were forced to release the shots because the students were acting violently. They were throwing Molotov bombs," Usman added.

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