Tue Sep 02 08:47:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Student protests in Indonesia are escalating, fueled by concerns over government spending, police violence, and the death of a motorcycle taxi driver. Police used tear gas near the Islamic University of Bandung (UNISBA) and Pasundan University, with UNISBA students accusing security forces of a “brutal attack.” The protests, which have resulted in at least eight deaths, are also driven by economic inequality, labour laws and reports of missing protesters. Civil society groups have raised alarms over recent arrests, and further demonstrations are expected. The situation presents a major challenge for President Prabowo Subianto.
**News Article:**
**Indonesian Police Use Tear Gas on Protesters Near Universities, Sparking Outrage**
**Bandung, Indonesia** – Indonesian police deployed tear gas near the campuses of the Islamic University of Bandung (UNISBA) and Pasundan University on Tuesday, amidst ongoing nationwide protests fueled by concerns over government spending, police violence, and economic inequality. The protests gained renewed momentum following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver struck by a police vehicle.
According to a Reuters report, authorities fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets near university grounds. “There was a student who got hit by the rubber bullet, two shots,” said Muhammad Ilham, a student from Pasundan University.
The UNISBA student body has accused security forces of a “brutal attack,” claiming the use of tear gas caused breathing problems for students and was an attempt to silence dissent. While police officials stated they did not enter the campuses, but were trying to disperse crowds of non-student protesters seeking refuge inside, UNISBA rector Harits Nu’man confirmed the university was being used as a medical hub for protesters.
The protests, which began last week, have resulted in at least eight deaths and reports of at least 20 protesters going missing, according to the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).
“There are thousands of them,” Al Jazeera’s Jessica Washington said, speaking of the motorcycle taxi drivers gathering to honour their colleague who was killed by an armoured police vehicle during the protests. “They say to demonstrate the power of peaceful assembly so they can honour their colleague, that they can call for their various demands, including economic inequality and do it peacefully,” Washington added.
The situation presents a significant challenge for President Prabowo Subianto, who is facing his first major test of leadership. Further protests are expected outside parliament in Jakarta, organized by a coalition of women’s groups. Civil society groups have also raised alarms over the recent arrest of a prominent activist.
Indonesians are using social media to voice their discontent, adding pink and green hues to their profile pictures and using the hashtag #ResetIndonesia to outline demands for government reform.
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