Bina Nusantara not that bad

I refer to the letter titled Bina Nusantara must introspect by Prof. Tim Babcock published on Nov. 13, 2000. I was awarded my bachelor's degree from Bina Nusantara University in 1997 but I am not a student of Bina Nusantara's Graduate Program and therefore have no idea of what is happening now.

During my studies there, I found Bina Nusantara quite professional. The lecturers, the curriculum, the computerized administration were all of professional standard. It's not uncommon for a student to complain due to his/her dissatisfaction, whatever the cause of the dissatisfaction, and when I read a letter of complaint from a student, I didn't pay much attention. But, when Tim Babcock, a professor of Toronto University, Canada suggested that the ISO 9001 certification and BAN accreditation of Bina Nusantara be reviewed, I was surprised.

I think it's too early for Prof. Tim Babcock to make such an emotional suggestion. ISO 9001 is an international standard certification and I believe Bina Nusantara didn't obtain such certification easily. The ISO 9001 itself is not given out lightly. There must be standard guidelines and the fact is Bina Nusantara got the certification.

However, it's inappropriate and irrelevant for Ms. Anna Maria representing Bina Nusantara University to judge the credibility of Mr. Washy Tolani by attacking his poor academic performance in response to a complaint. It seems that Bina Nusantara is too proud of itself and it is a valid point that Bina Nusantara should do some introspection. However, I think that Prof. Tim Babcock's suggestion that the ISO 9001 and BAN accreditations be reviewed is going too far.

ADRIANUS HIYUNG TJUNG

Jakarta