IPB students want Internet at dorm

BOGOR: The Bogor Institute of Agriculture promised to provide students with Internet connections in their dormitories following a protest by 500 students on Monday.

A deputy rector of IPB, Herry Suhardiyanto, told the protesting students that the institute would provide them with the Internet as well as other facilities as demanded. He also promised not to increase board at the dormitories, but said the students would have to pay to use the Internet.

The students, who staged a demonstration in front of the rectorate building on the campus in Dermaga, Bogor, said the dormitories lacked facilities such as Internet stalls, a health clinic and kitchen. A student representative, Hanif, also said that certain dormitories faced water problems.

Each of the 2,800 students staying in dormitories pay Rp 75,000 (about US$9) a month. They are also required to pay a Rp 375,000 bond each.

The students also demanded transparency in the management of the bond money. --JP