Police: 32 Students Protesting in Semarang Still Under Investigation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Central Java Police’s Public Relations Sr. Comr. Artanto stated that 32 vocational high school and college students remained under investigation at the Semarang Police Headquarters following the demonstration in front of the Semarang City Legislative Council (DPRD) Building on Monday, August 26, which ended in chaos. 

“There were 22 vocational high school students. We invited their parents today,” Artanto said in Semarang on Tuesday, August 27.

He explained that the parents would accompany their children during questioning. “We will inquire about why these vocational high school students participated in the action in front of the Semarang City DPRD yesterday,” said Artanto.

He also continued that the police are investigating allegations of vandalism during the demonstration, which was forcibly disbanded. Artanto emphasized that the police's firm actions were in accordance with standard operating procedures.

According to him, the public order situation in the Central Java region remained relatively conducive and under control following the chaotic demonstration. He appealed to various elements of society to express their opinions in public in an orderly and lawful manner. “Avoid actions that may cause inconvenience to others,” he stressed.

On Monday evening, August 26, the police forcibly dispersed the student rally in front of the Semarang DPRD Office. There were physical confrontations between the students and the on-duty police.

The demonstrators pushed open two gates of the office complex, which is located in the same area as the Semarang Mayor's office. The police responded by dispersing the student masses northward on Jalan Pemuda using water cannons and tear gas.

ANTARA

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