DPR urged to intervene on new Salatiga rector
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)