DPR urged to intervene on new Salatiga rector

JAKARTA (JP): A group of students and staff lecturers from the Christian Satyawacana University in Salatiga, Central Java, called for House of Representatives to intervene in the college's dispute over the election of its rector.

A 10-person delegation came to Jakarta yesterday urging the House to order the annulment of the recent appointment of John Ihalauw by the foundation which owns the university.

Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro has endorsed the appointment of Ihalauw, although he apparently did not have the full support of the college's entire staff of lecturers and students.

The delegation yesterday said that Ihalauw's appointment violated the university's statues on election procedures which allows for the participation of staff lecturers and students representatives.

However, members of the House's Commission IX, which deals with education matters, told the delegation yesterday to accept the appointment of Ihalauw. They also told the delegation that they should work towards closing loopholes in the college's constitution to prevent this dispute from occurring again in the future.

The delegation from Salatiga included three staff lecturers but none of the vocal scholars from the university, such as George Aditjondro and Arif Budiman. The other seven members of the delegation were student representatives.

Arif had at one point threatened to resign from the university over the controversy of the election.

The delegation yesterday said that the college's foundation had opted for Ihalauw as the new rector instead of Liek Wilardjo, who appeared to have the popular support of the other lecturers.

They demanded that the government withdraw its endorsement for Ihalauw and allow the university to hold another election in three months' time.

George Aditjondro was in Jakarta yesterday but did not go to the House of Representatives.

George proposed as a way out a referendum among all members of the staff lecturers whether or not to accept Ihalauw as rector.

"The referendum will test whether most members of the university agree with the foundation's choice. If not, then another election featuring new candidates should be held."

"It will be more fair because the dispute between the foundation and its opponents has been complicated by the vested interests of certain parties.

"I'm neutral on this issue," George said. "But personally I think Ihalauw is more suitable as business manager than as a rector," George said.

Ihalauw, formerly dean of the university's school of economics, is "too business oriented" and rather conservative while Liek is more progressive, George said. (prs)