Hundreds to quit Satyawacana

Hundreds to quit Satyawacana

SALATIGA, Central Java: Hundreds of teachers, students and supporting staff at the rift-ridden Satya Wacana Christian University threaten to quit in protest of the dismissal of outspoken academic Arief Budiman.

The move is the latest twist in the prolonged conflict sparked by rector John JOI Ihalauw's, who, after dismissing Arief last year, insisted on staying in office despite the mounting calls to resign.

"The number of teachers considering quitting has reached more than 100," said Th. Sumarthana, a lecturer at the university's post graduate program.

Sumarthana belongs to the so called "Pro-Democracy Group", which has fiercely demanded Arief's reinstatement and Ihalaw's resignation.

Dozens of teachers from the group have been striking to press their demands. "We will definitely move to other universities if the college foundation dismisses us," he said. (har)