Darlis, Palu – A protest action by an alliance of student and non-government organisations (NGO) the Central Sulawesi city of Palu on January 28 ended in chaos after one of the demonstrators was arrested by police for being an alleged provocateur.

The incident started when around 500 demonstrators set fire to and trampled on posters of Yudhoyono and Boediono. Police moved in resulting in police and students chasing each other. Police also confiscated a flag belonging to the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), which they were forced to had back after facing strong opposition from other demonstrators.

Palu mayor Rusdy Mastura was eventually intervened to try to calm the protesters down after one of the students was arrested by police for being an alleged provocateur.

During the action, the protesters called on the government to implement its program properly and in accordance with its promises. "After 100 days there is yet to be seen any results from the government's programs. The people will continue to watch over the government until prosperity can be felt", said action coordinator Albar.

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]