Generals graduate from Open University

Generals graduate from Open University

JAKARTA (JP): Two military commanders and one governor were
among 1,500 students, including 181 military members, who
officially graduated yesterday at the campus of the Open
University in Pondok Cabe, Ciputat.

One of them, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto,
arrived and left by helicopter, which was parked at the nearby
Pelita airfield, University employees said.

Wiranto graduated from the public administration program from
the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences.

The other graduates were Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen.
Adang Ruchiatna, North Sulawesi Governor Maj.Gen E.E. Mangindaan,
who also majored in public administration. Former Jakarta
Military Commander Maj. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono graduated from
the management program of the Faculty of Economy.

In response to whether the military members received special
treatment, university rector B. Suprapto Brotosiswoyo stressed
that they were extended no special privileges.

"But because they have experience, like bankers on a
management course, they learn faster," Suprapto said.

The Armed Forces (ABRI) members took an average of four
semesters in one and a half to two years. They had already had 54
to 81 credits transferred from their previous studies, mainly the
Army Commander School.

Like other Open University graduates, they were not obliged to
write a thesis. "Presently it is not possible yet as thesis
writing needs guidance. But this may change when we can develop
an electronic network," said Suprapto. Students take
"comprehensive exams" instead.

The generals, still wearing their graduation gowns, told
reporters that the degrees they received were not important and
would not be attached to their names.

"A degree of two meters long will not change my fate; a
corporal cannot become a lieutenant with a degree," said
Ruchiatna, "But I gain personal satisfaction...I am also
motivating my subordinates that it is never too late to learn."

"By expanding our horizons we don't just talk without knowing
what we're talking about." The 51-year-old commander added he was
happy that around 12 of his soldiers were also among the
graduates.

Mangindaan, also 51 and a father of three students, said he
gained more self-confidence from the "very interesting"
experience.

"I am more confident in communicating with people, since I
know more now of what I have learned from experience. Gaining
scientific knowledge is now a necessity," he said.

The generals said the mechanism of the Open University enabled
them to study whereas otherwise they would have had less time.

"This is the only time I have studied without too many
interruptions," said Ruchiatna. "But only a fool would say he has
no time at all. I read at least from one book in one evening,
besides 12 newspapers, and high rank military members are
encouraged to take at least one book everywhere with them."

Ruchiatna and Mangindaan are also still studying at the
College of Military Law.

Wiranto said he was thankful that he had the opportunity to
study. "I will use this knowledge for better contribution to
society," he said.

The generals said they were also assisted by regular tutorial
programs, among others held at the Halim Perdanakusuma air
school. Tutorial programs are held by any institution or group of
Open University students.

A university official said this was the fifth time there were
many military members among the graduates. "In the beginning
there were mainly students from the air force," Suprapto said.

Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono, who now heads the army training
school in Bandung, West Java, had notified the university that he
could not attend the ceremony. (anr)