Expensive extension program

Expensive extension program

From Pikiran Rakyat

It is regrettable that, according to Asia Week (May 23, 1997), Padjadjaran University (Unpad), generally regarded as one of Indonesia's most prestigious universities, is not included in Asia's 50 best universities. The University of Malaya in Malaysia is apparently better. This is despite the fact that in the 1970s Malaysia solicited Indonesia's help for teaching staff and university lecturers. A lot of Malaysian students have also studied in Indonesian universities, including Unpad.

Is Asia Week's report accurate? Or is the quality of the university (once under the rectorship of Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja 1973-1974) which produced so many great names, on the wane?

What is more interesting is the fact that the cost for a one- year term at the University of Malaya is much lower than that of any outstanding university in Indonesia. The contribution (university fees excluded) for an Extension Program at Padjadjaran University, for example, is equivalent to paying for a full year course at a private university in Bandung. Unpad is a state-owned university, and therefore the cost is supposed to be much lower than private institutions.

The high cost means many D3 graduates are barred from joining the Extension Program.

RUDY

Address known to the editor