Mass firing at UKSW opposed

SALATIGA, Central Java: The mass dismissal of teaching staff at Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW) is strongly opposed by the Javanese Christian Church, which is one of the university's founders.

Leaders of the influential church said yesterday that mass dismissal was not an appropriate way of solving the ongoing conflict, which was triggered by the firing of outspoken academic Arief Budiman last year.

In a petition filed with the university's foundation, the church's leaders urged the management to reinstate the dismissed staff.

The church also advised students and teachers opposed to the leadership of University Rector John JOI Ihalaw to stop demonstrating, saying that if they did not do so the situation would worsen.

The university's management has dismissed more than a dozen senior lecturers for demanding Arief's reinstatement and fresh elections to the rectorship.

Scores of teaching staff have gone on strike and, together with students who support their cause, staged massive demonstrations. (har)