Lecturer's dismissal

Lecturer's dismissal

From Sinar Pagi

The dismissal of Arief Budiman from his post as lecturer in postgraduate studies on development at Satya Wacana Christian University, in Salatiga, Central Java, as of Oct. 31, 1994, coupled with clashes with student military regiments in the capital, clearly indicate that anti-democratic and anti- reformation elements have penetrated university campuses.

Arief Budiman views his dismissal as intellectual harassment and as an insult to the commitment to democracy and justice, as well as to humanism. He says the action can even be regarded as a violation of the law and that the perpetrators can be sued.

In this context, the Indonesian Environmental Development Organization appeals to the university's bureaucracy to withdraw their decision to dismiss Arief Budiman and to restore his honor and intellectual rights, both as academician and scholar.

Arief Budiman has won national, as well as international, fame and honor and is deeply committed to environmental and societal issues. By maintaining the decision, the university's administration has to run the risk of more widespread demonstrations and of facing the increasing political impact of this case.

What is really behind Arief Budiman's dismissal? Wouldn't it be much better and more honorable for the university authorities to settle the problem internally, without interference from a third party. By so doing the university could demonstrate its maturity as one of the most prestigious universities in Central Java.

AGUS KIFTAH

The Central Board

Indonesian Environmental

Development Organization

Jakarta