Students clash with Makassar police

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Hundreds of students clashed with police on Wednesday during a protest condemning the Supreme Court's unequivocal acquittal of Akbar Tandjung of graft.

No fatalities were reported, but several students suffered minor injuries.

The clash began at 12:30 p.m., when the Indonesia Muslim University (UMI) students began their protest on Jl. Urip Sumohardjo, burning a used tire.

The police tried to disperse the students, who reacted to the effort in a heated manner. While the students were negotiating with police, an unidentified individual threw stones at the police cordon.

The police responded with warning shots and the students countered by attacking them, ensuing in a clash.

The scuffle ended when deputy rector Basri Said negotiated with East Makassar police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Eko Suprianto.

All police officers were then pulled out from the area and the students dispersed peacefully. -- JP