I order (the police chief) to investigate his corps.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has issued instructions to Indonesian Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian to conduct a probe into the alleged repressive acts of some policemen against demonstrating students in some cities.
"Since the start, I repeat, I have told the Police chief that his personnel should not act repressively. I order (the Police chief) to investigate his corps," Jokowi stated at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Friday.
Two university students were killed during a protest to express rejection to several controversial bills staged in front of the Southeast Sulawesi parliament building in Kendari.
Randi, 21, and Muh Yusuf Kardawi, 19, died after clashing with anti-riot policemen, who had attempted to disperse the demonstrators.
"The Police chief has informed me that there is no order to bring weapons to confront demonstrators. This will be investigated," the president remarked.
Jokowi has also appealed to all parties to exercise self-restraint and to not speculate before the police concludes its investigation.
Randi, a student from Halu Oleo University's Faculty of Fisheries, died after being hit by a live bullet on his chest on Thursday (Sept 26).
On Friday, another student of Halu Oleo University Muh Yusuf Kardawi died after undergoing treatment at the Bahteramas Hospital in Kendari.
Over the past few days, student protests have erupted in Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, and several other cities, including Medan in North Sumatra, Malang in East Java, and Bandung in West Java.
The students echoed their demands for the House of Representatives to not pass the controversial bills, including the Criminal Code Bill.
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Translator: Desca L, Sri Haryati
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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