Manado students take over campus

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Hundreds of students of the State Islamic College (STAIN) here have occupied their campus and refused to take part in the scheduled examinations, in an attempt to force the resignations of the school's head and chief of administration affairs.

The chairman of the college's Students Senate, Muhammad Attamimi, told Antara at the campus on Saturday that the action was begun by students on Thursday.

"A number of students have even gone on hunger strike and would stop only if our demands are fulfilled by the school's authorities," Attamimi said.

According to the students, STAIN head Ridwan Syarib and administration affairs chief Afiat Yusuf have both abused their power and have partaken in corrupt, collusive and nepotistic practices.

"These two men have no clear vision about the future (of the school and its students). Their leadership has only created divisions within the campus," Attamimi said.

Acting on the orders of his superior in Jakarta, head of the provincial office of religious affairs Djainudin Ahmad, who oversees state religious schools in the province, met with the students for a dialog at the campus on Saturday.

The meeting was also attended by Syarib and Yusuf.

To the protesting students, Djainudin promised to dismiss the head of the college's administration affairs, and said he would discuss further the fate of Syarib with his superiors in Jakarta.