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)