HMI's independence

HMI's independence

The independence of the Islamic Students Association (HMI) has
been debated inside as well as outside the organization because
more and more of its members have taken important positions in
the government, in social-political organizations and in
businesses. Since the rise of the New Order many members have
become part of the bureaucracy. This has raised the question as
to what degree HMI has been able to maintain its independence
with regard to the government.

From circles inside the organization an answer to those
questions has come to light. In essence, although many members
have joined the bureaucracy, HMI as an organization has not been
coopted by the government.

Allegations that HMI has become less sensitive to problems
affecting the community are rather difficult to deny. For that
reason, statements of self-criticism have been made inside the
organization. A third point that has been raised apparently
concerns not only HMI, but all student organizations. It concerns
the growing gap separating student organization activities and
campus life.

This last point is perhaps the most difficult for HMI to
address. As long as non-campus organizations are denied access to
campuses, organizations such as HMI will remain cut off from the
universities. Nevertheless, those issues need to be solved during
HMI's present congress. It is quite appropriate that HMI as the
biggest student organization in this country should be able to
preserve its independence, that it should remain sensitive to our
various social problems and, obviously, that it should strive to
maintain its close links with life on campus.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta