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