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)