Fresh conflict flares at Satya Wacana University

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has not been revoked," he said.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)