Fresh conflict flares at Satya Wacana University

SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): A fresh row erupted at the Satya Wacana Christian University yesterday after two weeks of relative calm.

The new commotion was triggered by anonymous leaflets criticizing university's key figures who dissolved the rectorate without involving the besieged rector, John JOI Ihalauw.

Ihalauw, who sparked the conflict when he dismissed scholar Arief Budiman for disciplinary reasons last month, claimed he was unaware of the leaflets circulating on campus.

The leaflets questioned the validity of the decision taken by representatives from churches, the group opposing Arief's dismissal and former economic minister Radius Prawiro who acted as a mediator, to form a presidium to take over Inhalauw's job until a new rector is elected.

Made by individuals calling themselves "The Other Group", the leaflets said the decision made in a meeting in Kaliurang resort near Yogyakarta was "heartening" but "shameful" because the Ihalauw camp was excluded.

"What sort of democracy do they want to develop? They involved only those opposed to Arief's dismissal, is that democracy is all about?," the leaflet said.

Arief's dismissal triggered days of massive demonstration involving hundreds of students and teachers of the prestigious university. They demanded Arief's reinstatement and Ihalauw's dismissal.

Membership of the presidium is expected to be announced this week. University sources say that Ihalauw and Radius are candidates.

Ihalauw said he did not believe in the presidium and he was still the legitimate recor in the university which will celebrate its 30th anniversary later this month.

"I am still the rector as long as the decree on my election has not been revoked," he said.

The anonymous leaflets angered those who support the Kaliurang decision. Ariel Heryanto, an outspoken academic and a well-known columnist, is one.

"Everyone should uphold the decision in the reconciliatory meeting that Radius Prawiro spearheaded," he said.

Lecturer Pradjarto, one of Ihalauw's ardent critics, said he was surprised by the leaflets.

"I deplore the formation of such a clique like "The Other Group" at the time when order has returned to Satya Wacana," he said. (har/pan)