Police Find Fragments Believed to be Molotov Cocktails at USK Aceh Campus Fire Scene
Police found glass fragments suspected to originate from Molotov cocktails while investigating the fire that gutted the Faculty of Agriculture Building at Syiah Kuala University (USK) after clashes between students in Banda Aceh, early Thursday, 21 May.
The evidence, together with rocks, wood, and vehicles burned at the scene, was secured by Banda Aceh Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit. ‘Evidence from the fire scene includes rocks, wood, motorcycles and a car burned, and glass fragments suspected to be from Molotov bombs,’ said Kompol Miftahuda Dizha Fezuono, Head of the Banda Aceh City Police Criminal Investigation Unit, to reporters on Saturday, 23 May.
As of now, authorities have questioned 15 witnesses related to the fire and other facilities at the Faculty of Agriculture USK — 13 students, one lecturer, and one complainant from the faculty.
‘Fifteen witnesses have been questioned regarding the incident of the fire at the Faculty of Agriculture building and other facilities at USK,’ Dizha said.
He added that the police, together with the identification team, would also conduct laboratory forensics tests on some of the evidence found at the scene. ‘The investigation is ongoing and the number of witnesses may increase.’
Earlier, disturbances between students were believed to have occurred before the fire hit the Faculty of Agriculture building midweek. Police said the clash involved students from the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Engineering, culminating in throwing and vandalism of campus facilities.
In the incident, three motorcycles, one car, and the security post were burned. Police also found injuries to two students from the Faculty of Engineering. The losses from the incident are estimated at Rp20 billion.
In response, USK Rector Prof Mirza Tabrani urged all campus stakeholders to maintain conduciveness in the wake of the clashes between student groups on the university campus. ‘The leadership of USK has coordinated and is awaiting the results of authorities’ investigations into the campus clashes,’ said Rector Mirza Tabrani in Banda Aceh.
He urged all members of the academic community to refrain from actions or other things that could worsen the situation, while continuing to prioritise persuasive, courteous, and constructive communication.
The university has also coordinated with faculty leaders, campus security, and authorities to strengthen security on campus and mitigate and anticipate potential security disturbances. ‘We appreciate the attention and concern of all campus members toward our beloved campus, the heart of the Acehnese people. Let us safeguard a safe, conducive, and controlled campus environment so teaching and learning can continue as usual,’ he said.
Additionally, USK asked for support from lecturers to remind and guide students to maintain wise conduct, uphold academic ethics, and not be easily influenced by information that could trigger unrest. The Rector urged that any potential security disturbances on campus be mitigated and coordinated with faculty leadership or university authorities.