Bogus doctor confirmed ill

YOGYAKARTA: An examination by state-owned Sardjito Hospital experts has shown that Djarot Setiawan -- who forged his degrees from undergraduate to doctorate and taught in a respected university for five years -- is suffering from schizophrenia.

"Sometimes he feels and acts like he is a rector and suddenly changes (and behaves) as if he were a student," psychiatrist Soewardi explained about the fake academic's condition.

Djarot, 35, worked as a lecturer for five years at the state- run Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto, Central Java, before his secret was uncovered accidentally last month.

Rector Rubiyanto Misman said Djarot was a popular lecturer, and often represented the university at national conferences.

"We never thought or suspected that Djarot was a fake doctor," he said last month.

Djarot apparently cleverly forged his documents and was immediately accepted for a teaching position in 1993. Because of his high credentials he was also quickly accorded a civil service grade of IVB.

"I followed all procedures to be received as an academic staff member there," Djarot said yesterday.

"I do now know why the students trusted me so much," he added. (23)