Farouk Arnaz, Jakarta – Indonesia's National Police have been forced to apologize after officers in Riau stormed into a mosque and made a mess while pursuing students protesting about fuel subsidy cuts.

"For the incident that occurred on Tuesday in [the] RRI complex, the big family of National Police is asking for your pardon, especially from my muslim brothers and sisters," Sr. Commr. Agus Rianto, head of the National Police's Public Information Division, said on Friday.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, followed a student strike against President Joko Widodo's decision to hike fuel prices earlier this month. Protestors, who had gathered outside the Republic of Indonesia Radio building in Riau, refused to move on after student representatives spoke on air, sparking a confrontation with police.

With police closing in, students fled in a number of directions, police said, including into the Republic of Indonesia Radio building's mosque.

Police stormed into the mosque without removing their shoes and made a mess inside. Agus said the officers were only doing their duty and trying to enforce the law.

"It wasn't our intention to disrespect the norm of removing our shoes upon entering the praying room," he said, "but the situation forced us to act firmly because they insisted on not getting out of the room."

National police headquarters was also forced to accept the Riau officers used unnecessary force after they assaulted several protestors. Agus said hitting the students was "not right."

"To date, four students have gone through medical check up and reported to the national police's profession and protection division." The division is responsible for public reports on abuse of power by police.

At least 25 students were injured and one is in critical condition from the clash.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/police-apologize-storming-riau-mosque-catch-rioters/