Academic with enterpreneurial skills has the chance to lead UI
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Wanted. An academic with entrepreneurial skills. That's what is expected of the next rector of the University of Indonesia (UI).
"UI needs a leader who can orchestrate the entrepreneurial spirit and promote science and knowledge so as to usher in the university's new mission, being more independent both as regards financing and research," Indrajid Soebardjo, deputy chairman of the Rectorial Election Committee (PPR) told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
UI has put in place new procedures for the rectorial election, which will take place from May 13 to June 8. The new rector will take up the post in August and serve for a five-year term.
"The position is open to everyone. That's why we are advertising it in the print media," said Indrajid.
The candidates should be 60 years old at the most and have a doctoral degree from a university recognized by UI.
Under the new procedures, a rectorial election is being held for the first time by UI. Two other leading state universities, the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in Bandung, West Java, and Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta held rectorial elections late last year and early this year respectively.
The state universities were granted the new status of State- owned Incorporated Entities (BHMN) in 2000, which requires them to be more independent in financing and management.
"Under the new management system, UI's new rector must be capable of leading the university not only as a research institution but also as a profitable body to help finance its daily activities," Indrajid said.
As of Tuesday, nine candidates had taken application forms. Three of the applicants are scholars from outside UI, while the remaining six applicants come from inside the university.
Indrajid refused to name the candidates but hinted that the first two candidates came from State Institutes for Islamic Studies (IAIN), while another had a military background.
The new rector will replace Asman Boedisantoso Ranakusuma, whose term ends this year.
The candidates will first be selected by the Rectorial Election Committee before they sit interviews conducted by the UI's senate.
"Seven candidates will be nominated for the position of rector. Their names will be announced to the public," Indrajid said.
Besides the candidates who actually apply for the position, the committee will also nominate a number of other qualified professors as candidates.
Putra, a university student, said that whoever the new rector was must have concern for the development of the university.
"He or she does not necessarily have to come from the University of Indonesia," he said.
One of the applicants refused to comment on his motives for standing for election.
"I don't want to comment as the electoral process is still underway. Just wait and see," said a professor from UI after taking an application form.