College accreditation must be fair
College accreditation must be fair
MALANG, East Java: Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fadjar reminded the National Accreditation Agency (BAN) on Monday to prevent manipulation in the evaluation of universities.
"Accreditation must not be engineered as it deals with public opinion, which is never uniform," the minister said.
He made the remarks after installing Bambang Guritno as the new rector of the state Brawijaya University in Malang for the 2002-2006 period, replacing Eka Afnan Troena.
"Accreditation, which is regulated under Law No. 25/2000, constitutes an obligation for the universities," he said.
In his speech at the ceremony, Malik Fadjar said that universities had a heavy burden, namely to help improve the country's image both domestically and internationally.
The bad image had spread into various institutions, including the education sector, he said.
In the rectorial election, Bambang Guritno defeated his opponent Aka Afnan Troena with a total of 41 votes to 40. -- Antara
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Students join science week
SURABAYA: At least 53 state-owned and private universities have confirmed their participation in the XV National Students Science Week (PIMNAS) hosted by Surabaya-based Airlangga University, East Java, from March 6 through March 10.
"There are 38 state-owned and 15 private universities from Aceh to Irian Jaya that have confirmed their participation in the XV National Students Science Week," PIMNAS Chairman Suko Hardjono was quoted by Antara as saying on Monday.
"Four nonuniversity organizations have also registered for the science and technology exhibition," Suko added.
According to Suko, PIMNAS' main items include a science- writing contest, students' creativity program and students' science achievement exhibition.
In addition, PIMNAS will also stage a public lecture by National Education Minister A. Malik Fadjar and economist Syahrir, and seminars featuring rectors of Airlangga University, Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, Makassar-based Hasanuddin University and Muhammadiyah University in Malang, East Java. -- Antara
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Indonesia plans seminar on policies
JAKARTA: Indonesia plans to hold an international seminar in April to explain government policies in economics, politics, security, finance, law and investment, as well as its privatization programs.
"The seminar aims to boost confidence in the country and its economy," organizing committee spokesman Johanes L. Sitanggang said over the weekend.
He said the seminar would be attended by both national and international businesspeople.
Johanes said a number of international figures were expected to attend the seminar, titled Indonesia: Confronting Future Challenges.
Those expected to attend include former Australian prime minister Paul Keating, former Japanese prime minister Yasuhiro Sasasone and former Philippine president Fidel Ramos.
Former German chancellor Helmut Kohl and the former president of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, also have been invited, Johanes said.
He also said several international rating agencies were expected to attend the seminar. These agencies are Standard and Poors of the U.S., Moody Investor Service of the U.S., Economist Intelligence Unit of the United Kingdom and Marvin Zonish of the U.S. -- Antara