Yuli Tri Suwarni, Bandung – Police arrested at least 15 students Monday during a protest against Israeli military aggression in Palestine and Lebanon in front of the Sate Building on Jl. Diponegoro in Bandung.

The students were arrested after they attempted to lower the Indonesian flag flying in front of the West Java gubernatorial office. "We didn't cause any disturbances, so why were we arrested?" asked Noto, one of the students from the Muslim Students Association who took part in the protest.

Noto said the students attempted to lower the flag to show that Indonesia was mourning the deaths of Palestinian and Lebanese citizens as a result of the Israeli bombardments.

During the protest, which began at 10 a.m., the students delivered speeches urging people to boycott American products. They also urged the United Nations to halt Israel's military onslaught. "Dissolve the UN if it is unable to stop the Israeli violence and military aggression, which has violated human rights," one of the students said.

The protesters also urged the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League to come to the aid of Palestine and Lebanon. During the rally, the students burned tires and an Israeli flag.

Up to 50 police officers forcibly dispersed the students when they attempted to enter the grounds of the Sate Building and lower the flag. The detained students were transported to the Central Bandung Police station.

Central Bandung Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Mashudi said the students were detained for holding an illegal rally and attempting to lower the Indonesian flag.

"They are not entitled to lower the flag as they like. The flag belongs to the country, the people and the Republic of Indonesia. It is not a personal possession," Mashudi said. He said the students could be charged under Article 154 of the Criminal Code on insulting a state symbol.