Farouk Arnaz – National Police officials defended their actions during yesterday's chaotic fuel hike protests in Gambir, Central Jakarta, stating on Wednesday that officers were within their rights to defend themselves against the attacks of angry protestors.

Tuesday's demonstration against the government's plan to slash fuel subsidies turned violent when police tried to block about 400 protestors' march from the office of the state-owned gas company Pertamina to the nearby Presidential Palace.

The protestors began to throw rocks and Molotov cocktails at police officers, who responded by spraying them with water cannons and by shooting tear gas into the crowd. At least 10 protestors sought treatment at area hospitals. Some 35 were arrested and released on Wednesday.

The National Police's actions came under fire from protestors, some who demanded officers pay for their medical bills. But National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. M. Taufik said that police officers were injured as well.

"Police asked protesters to leave behind their belongings as they were approaching the Palace, but they reacted instead by throwing [stones]; 17 of our officers were injured after stones were thrown at them," Taufik said at the National Police headquarters.

The officers acted in accordance with police regulations, he added. "Within the context of dispersing crowds, the action was already in line with the standard operating procedures," Taufik said.

Police found 20 Molotov cocktails among the student protestors. A police station, car and motorcycle were destroyed in the violent clash. (BeritaSatu/JG)