6 UGM-UNY Students Injured During Protest at Gramedia Intersection, Yogyakarta

Six students were reported to have sustained injuries during a protest by the Civil Society Alliance that ended in chaos at the Gramedia Four-Way Intersection, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (1/9).

“There were six students, five from UGM and one from UNY, who eventually had to be treated in the hospital,” said the Director of UGM Student Affairs, Hempri Suyatna, at the UGM Balairung, Sleman, on Wednesday (2/9).

According to data shared by Hempri, the students suffered injuries including bruises on the temples, lacerations on the forehead and lips, as well as bruises on the abdomen and the back of the head. Additionally, two students experienced trauma and shortness of breath during the action.

Hempri stated that the students were permitted to leave Panti Rapih Hospital, where they received medical treatment, at approximately 00:30 WIB on Wednesday morning.

“They were simply walking when suddenly someone struck them,” Hempri added.

Hempri noted that the UGM Occupational Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (K5L) unit had been monitoring the student protest from the afternoon until the early hours of the morning. Based on reports received, the student protest was initially peaceful and avoided provocative actions. Hempri suggested that provocations actually originated from other groups at the location.

“I believe that by 19:00, there were forms of provocation, which I suspect were carried out by certain community groups, causing momentary conflict,” Hempri explained. “The situation had returned to normal by around 19:20, and I thought it would proceed well. However, around 22:00, I believe the students were pushed back by certain community groups, and ironically, through various forms of violence that should not have occurred.”

According to observations at the scene, the Civil Society Alliance arrived at the Gramedia intersection at 16:00 WIB. They performed orations and theatrical performances, while the police secured the area and implemented traffic diversions.

Throughout the protest, several moments of tension occurred, eventually leading to clashes between the protesters and a group claiming to be local residents. The police established security barricades. The protesters eventually dispersed after being pushed towards the north, towards Jalan Cik Di Tiro, at approximately 22:15 WIB.

The Head of Public Relations for the DIY Regional Police, Kombes Pol Ihsan, stated that the participants dispersed in a safe and orderly manner. Ihsan also mentioned that a misunderstanding had occurred between residents and the protesters, as residents felt the road closures late into the night were disrupting their activities.

“During this misunderstanding, a pushing match occurred, causing the protesters to panic and fall, resulting in minor injuries,” he added.

Furthermore, Ihsan reported that personnel from the Yogyakarta City Police were hit by what is suspected to be a pepper spray liquid. “They are currently being treated by our field medical team, and their condition is gradually improving,” he said.