Student Protest at Subang DPRD Turns Chaotic, Fence Collapses and Tyres Burned

A demonstration by students from the Subang Student Alliance and HMI in front of the Subang Regency DPRD building in West Java turned chaotic on Thursday (18/6). A shoving match between the crowd and police officers caused the entrance gate of the parliament building to collapse.

Tensions began when the protesters attempted to force their way into the DPRD compound to deliver their demands directly. In addition to tearing down the fence, students also burned used tyres on the main road in Subang City as a form of protest against increasingly burdensome economic conditions.

During the rally, the crowd voiced several crucial demands, including improvements to the public’s economic situation, rejection of the increase in non-subsidised fuel prices, and a review of police involvement in civilian positions.

‘What we are conveying today is the public’s anxiety. The economic situation is getting tougher, prices continue to rise, and government programmes must be strictly monitored so that the state budget is used appropriately and no irregularities occur,’ asserted Action Coordinator Annas Ahmad Laduni.

The protest, which was under tight guard by the Subang Resort Police and Civil Service Police Unit, caused traffic congestion in the surrounding area. Although the situation heated up and was marked by physical disorder, officers gradually managed to bring it under control.

After delivering all their points through speeches, the crowd eventually dispersed in an orderly manner under the supervision of security personnel. As of the time this report was filed, the Subang DPRD had yet to issue an official statement regarding the damage to the building’s facilities caused by the incident.