Shut down STPDN

Shut down STPDN

From Koran Tempo

At first, I was against closing down the Public Administration
Institute (STPDN) following the death of Wahyu Hidayat. I thought
a better solution was to abolish the militaristic features of
this institute.

However, after watching a report titled Torture behind the
walls of STPDN -- aired by private television station SCTV on
Sept. 21, 2003 -- I changed my mind. The report graphically
illustrates that STPDN is not an educational institute. Rather,
it is a place where civilized people are transformed into
savages.

Closing the institute is the best solution, given the immoral
behavior that is deeply rooted in the students and some of the
institute's management. They have established something akin to a
gang.

The students must be sent back to their home provinces to stop
such brutality, remembering that the brutality of gangs is
largely inspired by peer pressure.

Then, provincial administrations should send students to
universities in their respective provinces. As for the assets of
STPDN, they can be utilized for other purposes.

Finally, legal action must be taken against those involved in
sadistic practices at STPDN and those responsible for allowing
such practices.

H. PRIYATNA
Bandung