Academic freedom on campuses<\/p>\n
According to a recently issued regulation, university rectors
\nhave the authority to either permit or ban academic activities,
\nwhether they be seminars, discussions, symposiums or any other
\nactivity. This refreshing regulation will enable campus autonomy
\nto be established.<\/p>\n
However, the events surrounding a discussion at the Surabaya
\nInstitute of Technology (ITS) between Aug.21 and 23 to
\ncommemorate the 50th anniversary of independence gives reason for
\nconcern. The hope that the rector's new authority would allow
\nacademic activities more leeway did not materialized.<\/p>\n
If the ITS case was the indicator of whether relaxation of
\ncontrols could be expected, the question now is: What difference
\nis there between a rector's authority and the authority of
\nparties outside campus?<\/p>\n
The ITS case is worth observing because two equally
\nunambiguous attitudes were displayed. The rector, using his
\nauthority issued a ban; the students, using their intellectual
\nconscience, proceeded with the activity despite the ban.<\/p>\n
What will the consequences be? We hope everything will be
\nresolved on by only scholarly arguments. It may be true that some
\nof the speakers invited were controversial, in particular Dr. Sri
\nBintang Pamungkas who at present is encountering many
\ndifficulties.<\/p>\n
However, if his presence was the reason for banning the
\ndiscussion, a clear explanation should have been given as to why
\nSri Bintang was considered unfit to speak at a respected center
\nof learning. If he said something disagreeable, his statement
\ncould have been scientifically refuted, allowing Sri Bintang's or
\nany other speaker's ideas to be accepted or rejected in a
\ntransparent manner.<\/p>\n
-- Surabaya Pos<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/academic-freedom-on-campuses-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }