Protest turns into clash

JAKARTA: A march by a group of university students turned into a violent clash with security authorities in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi, yesterday, according to the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Jakarta.

The students were marching to express their concern with the government's move to implement a five-day week with longer daily hours for schools and universities.

The march turned into a clash as security officers moved in to confiscate the posters and banners carried by the students, according to the YLBHI.

The students opposed the introduction of the five-day plan at schools because pupils will now have to spend longer hours at schools and will miss out on a number of extra-curriculum activities.

Officials in Palu could not be reached for comment. (emb)