E. Timor students back in campus

YOGYAKARTA: At least 30 East Timorese students will continue their studies at the state Gadjah Mada University (UGM) here after taking an unscheduled leave for last year's self- determination ballot on their home soil.

Deputy rector M. Anwar said the university would also maintain the government's policy of exempting the East Timorese from school fees.

"The government will pay for their school tuition at the current rate, which is Rp 400,000 (US$48.8) per semester," Anwar said.

He added hat East Timorese who were not part of the group would be treated as foreigners if they wished to study here. Foreign students pay between US$600 and US$750 in school tuition per semester and between US$4,000 and US$7,500 in admission fees.

The ballot in August resulted in East Timor's overwhelming rejection to the Indonesian government's wide-ranging autonomy offer. (44/dja)