Jakarta – Students of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) were involved in clashes yesterday with Police and Military who were tasked to safeguard Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri during her visit to the ITB campus to inaugurate a statue of Soekarno, Indonesias first president which was erected on the campus where he studied technical science and obtained his diploma from. No killings were reported in the clashes, however dozens of students were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries.

The clash occurred when the students, who were awaiting the arrival of Megawati, the daughter of Soekarno, from early in the morning were forced to move after they tried to block the vice presidents convoy to leave the campus after she successfully initiated the statue.

The students of ITB who have a tradition of militancy refused to accept Megawatis visit since they had put their stance to oppose politics on campus, a position which was declared several years ago.

During the occasion however, they also urged Megawati to put her priorities with the people who have been suffering from the current national crises, rather than placing so much priority on politics and her party. Megawati did not comment on the students suggestions or about the clashes between police.

Megawatis visit to ITB was supposed to be the highlight of the celebration of centennial commemoration of Soekarno who was. Soekarnos statue inauguration was among the scheduled events during the commemoration.