Ambon, Maluku – A protest at the State Islamic Institute in Ambon escalated Thursday when 500 students told lecturers and staff to leave the campus. The protesting students have sealed off the campus since Monday, forcing 3,000 students to miss classes.

The protesters were prevented by lecturers from blocking off the only door to the rector's office. Police officers attempted to intervene to end the action, but students attacked the officers and drove them from the campus.

Ibrahim Ruhunussa, president of the students association, said Thursday students were angry over a 100 percent increase in tuition fees and the illegal fees collected by several lecturers. Tuition at the school has risen from Rp 300,000 to Rp 600,000.

A university official, Hasan Lauselang, said the institute could not discuss the protest since rector Mochamad Attamimi was in Jakarta for a meeting.