Police suspect agent provocateur in Makassar riot

The South Sulawesi suspect that “certain groups” provoked students to rampage against the police during a demonstration to mark International Human Rights Day on Friday.

The South Sulawesi Police chief, Insp. Jhony Waenal Usman, said that the out-of-control demonstration proved that students failed to abide by their lecturers' effort to reign them due to the presence of provocateurs.

“We have detected the presence of groups who have infiltrated and provoked the students' actions. These groups are opportunists. We will reveal them, but not immediately,” he said.

He added that the police would legally process those who had damaged police facilities during the riot.

Students hurled stones and Molotov bombs at police posts and vehicles, injuring three officers and a automobile showroom attendant.

Jhony further denied that officers shot students during another student riot that took place the day before.

Students demonstrated in front of the South Sulawesi gubernatorial office on Thursday to mark International Anti-Corruption Day.

“Officers only used blank bullets and rubber bullets. The shots were not even aimed at people, so the shots were not dangerous. [Officers] were forced to release the shots because the students were acting violently. They were throwing Molotov bombs,” Jhony added.