On September 1, 2025, Indonesian police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters near the campuses of the Bandung Islamic University (UNISBA) and Pasundan University (UNPAS).
Nationwide demonstrations had begun in Indonesia on August 25, 2025. Initially over growing economic inequality and perceived government overspending, the protests escalated into widespread unrest after a police vehicle struck and killed Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, during a demonstration on August 28.
Protesters gathered near the UNISBA and UNPAS campuses, which were being used as “safe zones” and medical hubs for injured demonstrators. On the evening of September 1, demonstrators began to retreat from the central protest location after reports surfaced that authorities were preparing “full equipment” for a forceful dispersal.
At approximately 11:30 pm, Indonesian police and military forces descended upon the remaining protestors, who fled onto the university grounds for shelter. Police then deployed tear gas and rubber bullets directly toward the campuses. Students later reported finding at least 40 tear gas shells on the premises. One student was reportedly injured by a rubber bullet, and dozens required treatment for respiratory distress caused by the gas.
Scholars at Risk is concerned about the excessive use of force on a university campus. 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. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.
Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/2/indonesian-police-use-tear-gas-on-university-campuses-in-ongoing-protests
https://www.lbhbandung.or.id/obstruction-of-legal-assistance-for-protesters-at-west-java-regional-police-headquarters-and-attacks-on-unpas-unisba-campuses-in-bandung/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-police-fire-tear-gas-rubber-bullets-student-protesters-2025-09-02