Official warns students 'to remember' their studies<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Students' academic records are likely to regress
\nfollowing intensive street demonstrations, an official at the
\nMinistry of Education and Culture said Monday.<\/p>\n
Student Affairs Director of the Ministry of Education and
\nCulture Sudharmadi told The Jakarta Post that many students tend
\nto join the rallies and neglect their academic studies.<\/p>\n
\"This is quite harmful because the longer it takes for them to
\ngraduate, the longer it will be for them to prepare their future.
\nIt's a waste of time, money and energy,\" he said.<\/p>\n
If students kept abandoning their academic tasks, by the year
\n2010 or 2020 -- when they were supposed to be in their most
\nproductive age of 30's and 40's -- this country \"would lose a
\ngeneration of leaders,\" Sudharmadi said.<\/p>\n
He urged that students pay attention to this problem and not
\nbe too busy \"in fixing the management of the republic.\"<\/p>\n
Sudharmadi cited the high absentee levels in campuses as many
\nstudents failed to meet the minimum 30 percent appearance in
\nattending classes.<\/p>\n
\"When that happens students have to sit for the same subjects
\nagain,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Rectors have stated their support of the student movement,
\nwhile students have pledged to continue demonstrations, though in
\ndifferent forms during the Ramadhan fasting month.<\/p>\n
Sudharmadi said students should make the best of the current
\n\"freedom of choice\" for them.<\/p>\n
\"It is up to them to make the best of the situation, and to
\nmanage their time between studies and protests.<\/p>\n
\"But once again I reminded them that there are no leniencies
\nfor students. Missing classes and assignments is entirely their
\nresponsibility.\"<\/p>\n
Sudharmadi urged students to \"be smart and work on concepts\"
\nin the wake of next year's general elections, to win back public
\nsupport for their movement.<\/p>\n
The longer they stay on the streets, Sudharmadi said, \"the
\nmore their brains would become blunt.\"<\/p>\n
\"It is obvious because they lose the essential time in the
\nlearning process, debate and interaction in classes.\"<\/p>\n
\"I wish them all the luck they need. Let's reform things while
\nbuilding this country. Do not leave it in debris.\"<\/p>\n
Several public figures have backed authorities in urging
\nstudents to stop their rallies particularly during Ramadhan. At
\nleast one politician, Amien Rais, chairman of the National
\nMandate Party, has however challenged students to demonstrate in
\nan appropriate manner in the fasting month, saying it was \"the
\nright time\" to convey people's aspirations. (edt)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/official-warns-students-to-remember-their-studies-1447893297",
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