Hundreds strike against rector

Hundreds strike against rector

SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): Around 500 students and a number
of teachers at the rift-ridden Satya Wacana University staged a
demonstration yesterday to demand the resignation of Rector John
JOI Ihalauw.

"Go away greedy Rector. Return my democracy," the students
yelled.

Student spokesman Adi Prasetyo told The Jakarta Post that they
had previously planned not to hold another demonstration until
after the leaders of a number of churches, which established the
college, finished their deliberation on the conflict.

However, the rector's latest decision to fire five biology
teachers prompted the strike, he said. Ihalauw previously
dismissed dozens of other teachers from various schools.

Adi said that Ihalauw also appointed a number of junior
teachers to replace the dismissed lecturers. "The quality of the
junior teachers is far below the ones dismissed, that's why we
refuse to be taught by them," he said.

The students are also protesting the rector's decision to
shorten Law School courses from six months to only ten days.

"It's the students again who become the victims of this
prolonged conflict," said Hanityo Sumitro, an official from the
association of private colleges.

Apart from yesterday's and previous demonstrations, the campus
has been deserted following the schools' decision not to conduct
any activities.

The schools of agriculture, engineering, science and
mathematics, law, biology, theology and pedagogy have refused to
hold classes or admit new students for the new school year. The
school of economics is the only school which has refused to join
the boycott. (har/swe)