Students hurt in clash with police

Students hurt in clash with police

SURABAYA, East Java: About 200 students were involved in a
clash with security personnel on Wednesday when they demonstrated
to demand the release of six of their fellow students.

Several people were injured after being beaten and kicked
including two journalists from Reuters and Suara Indonesia.

Dozens of workers of the cigarette plant PT Gudang Garam were
hurt on Tuesday when they demonstrated with students.

The students were arrested for instigating the labor strike.
Workers' protest chants included "End the military dual
function", which has allowed security personnel to intervene in
labor unrest.

In Wednesday's brief rally students were accompanied by noted
sociologist Daniel Sparingga of Airlangga University and several
lawyers.

The rally reached Surabaya Police Headquarters when two trucks
of security personnel arrived and immediately attacked the
demonstrators.

Employees and other people in surrounding offices and shops
panicked. Victims were taken to hospital for treatment. Daniel
said the "shameful" incident reflected "police brutality".

Deputy police chief Lt. Col. Sentot said the attack resulted
from the students inciting the police officers. He said the six
students had been released and no one was arrested on Tuesday.
(nur)