Vocal scholar resigns in protest<\/p>\n
SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): Scholar Arief Budiman, known for
\nhis outspokenness, announced his intention to resign from the
\nSatyawacana Christian University in Salatiga, Central Java, in
\nprotest at the recent nomination of the rector.<\/p>\n
\"I am leaving the university because I don't see how it can
\nmaintain its image as a democratic campus,\" Arief said yesterday.<\/p>\n
Arief was a staff lecturer at the university, which also
\ncounts a number of other scholars who are vocal critics of the
\ngovernment, including George Junus Aditjondro and Ariel Heryanto.<\/p>\n
The foundation which owns the university early this May
\nappointed John JOI Ihalauw as the new rector over Liek Wilardjo,
\nwho appeared to have the popular support of the other lecturers.<\/p>\n
Arief said his protest was not aimed at the new rector. \"I am
\nangry at the foundation for making its choice of rector without
\ntaking into consideration the voices of other people in the
\ncampus,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The campus has lost its reputation as a democratic institution
\nand a champion of democracy, he said.<\/p>\n
He noted that he turned down various jobs offers in Jakarta
\nafter obtaining his Ph.D from Harvard University in 1981 because
\nhe wanted to return to his alma mater to develop the democratic
\nlife in the campus. \"But now they seem to be trampling on those
\nvery principles of democracy.\" (wah\/05)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/vocal-scholar-resigns-in-protest-1447893297",
"image": ""
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