On February 24, 2025, police clashed with students during a large protest outside Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI) in Makassar.

The demonstration was part of the broader “Dark Indonesia” movement opposing recent government budget cuts to key public sectors, including education and health. During the demonstration, protesters blocked Jalan Urip Sumoharjo, the main road in front of the UMI campus, for several hours. They burned tires and chanted slogans criticizing government austerity measures. The demonstration escalated after police arrived to disperse the crowd. Students reportedly threw stones at officers, and in response, police deployed water cannons, tear gas, and batons.

At least one civilian was injured during the clashes, and police detained dozens—including university and high school students.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Similarly, students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://makassar.tribunnews.com/2025/02/25/demo-depan-kampus-umi-makassar-jatuhkan-korban-mahasiswa-ngotot-hentikan-program-pemerintah
https://www.detik.com/sulsel/makassar/d-7793980/polisi-bubarkan-massa-demo-indonesia-gelap-di-depan-kampus-umi-makassar
https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/ckg8n1xn3jgo