19 held over campus riot

SALATIGA, Central Java: Police were holding 19 students for questioning yesterday after a violent riot at Satya Wacana Christian University on Monday.

Outside the precinct, about 100 students and lecturers staged a sit-in in solidarity with their colleagues inside. "We're in this together. If they're ill, we feel ill too," commented one student.

Salatiga Police Chief Lt. Col. Hari Suprapto said there could be further suspects, apart from the 19 in custody.

The riot, which came after more than a year of unrest at the university, caused extensive damage to the campus' main building and the administration building.

The group opposing the rectorship of John JOI Ihalauw blamed his lack of leadership for the riot. Ihalauw's office said the violent incident was started by the opposition group.

Meanwhile, some classes were held yesterday on the campus, which was heavily guarded by police in anti-riot gear. (har/wah)