West Java Police Suspect Riots In Unisba Have Been Planned

BANDUNG - The West Java Regional Police suspected that the riots that occurred around the Bandung Islamic University (Unisba) on Monday (1/9) night had been planned by a group of masses.

West Java Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Setiawan said the mass action was designed to lure the authorities into the campus area. However, the police made sure not to attack the campus.

"We analyzed this already designed, it was planned that we were provoked to attack the campus, but thank God we didn't do it," Rudi said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, September 2.

Rudi said that initially the masses threw Molotov cocktails at the officers' vehicles, some even got into trucks and motorized vehicles.

This condition, he said, greatly endangers the safety of the apparatus.

"If the car caught fire, of course the officers would be burned to death there. This again endangers the officers," he said.

Due to these conditions, joint officers then carried out large-scale patrols and dispersed the masses in a measured manner according to legal provisions.

The Kapolda said the masses numbered around 150 to 200 people gathered on Tamansari Street by blocking roads, dressed all black, covering faces, and carrying stones, iron, and wood.

The road that should be used by the community is closed. In the end, people cannot pass, and of course residents have great fear," he said.

Rudi added that his party had communicated with Unisba leaders.

According to him, the campus also felt overwhelmed and asked for police assistance for security from mass groups suspected of not being students.

"It's not necessarily the case for Unisba students. Campuses are only used as places for groups that at night arm themselves, attack officers, and disturb public security. So it's not actual students," said Rudi.

Meanwhile, the Head of Public Relations of the West Java Police, Kombes Hendra Rochmawan, revealed that the tear gas shot that occurred around Tamansari Street was triggered by a Molotov cocktail attack from a group of people dressed in black suspected of being anarchist groups.

"They are the ones who initially closed the road and made a blockade in Tamansari while acting anarchically," said Hendra.

Hendra explained that the anarchist group then carried out further provocations by throwing Molotov cocktails from inside the campus at officers and vehicles, including a Brimob rantis car. Due to this condition, officers fired tear gas into the highway.

Disclaimer:

This news is for the benefit of public information, so that the right of the public to know is maintained. The VOI editorial team rejects violence / destruction / arson / looting, because this nation will only be strong if we are loyal to protecting others, taking care of public facilities, and keeping the business world running so that the economy does not get worse. Stay calm, don't be provoked, make this country a safe house for all of us, and prioritize credible sources of information.