Palembang clash leaves six injured during student protest

A physical clash occurred in front of the South Sumatra Regional Police Headquarters in Palembang on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, involving student protesters from the Cipayung Plus group and the Harimau Sumatera Bersatu (HSB) community organization.

The confrontation resulted in six injuries, including two journalists, three students, and one police officer. The incident began when the HSB group was distributing masks to address local air pollution caused by forest and land fires (karhutla). Tensions escalated when the Cipayung Plus student coalition arrived to protest the police's handling of forest fire law enforcement.

South Sumatra Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Ronny Samtana, stated that all victims are receiving medical care and pledged a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and uncover the causes of the clash, including potential provocations.