Indonesian Police Use Tear Gas on Protesters Near Bandung Universities

Clashes Erupt Near Bandung Universities

• ⚡ Indonesian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters near the Islamic University of Bandung and Pasundan University.
• ⚠️ This incident marks the first time tear gas has been used against demonstrators on or near university campuses, escalating tensions.
• 🎯 The protests, which have resulted in 10 deaths since last week, initially targeted government spending in Jakarta.

Escalation and Accusations

• 💥 Rioting and looting occurred after a police vehicle fatally struck a motorcycle taxi driver, leading to nationwide demonstrations.
• 🗣️ The UNISBA student body accused security forces of attempting to silence dissent and brutally attacking the campus.
• 🤕 An Islamic student union leader reported that one student was critically injured by rubber bullets on campus.

Official Responses and Calls for Investigation

• 📢 President Pooo Sububanto warned that police and military would remain firm against violent escalations.
• ⚖️ The United Nations Rights Office urged an investigation into allegations of rights violations by security forces.
• 💬 Student leaders expressed determination to defend their campus as a space for learning, fearing militarization would eliminate safe zones for intellectual pursuits.