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