No sparks fly in rectorial debate

Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The public debate hosted by the University of Indonesia's (UI) two remaining rectorial candidates on Tuesday turned out to be a question-and-answer session as they failed to debate issues concerning the institution.

The session started with the two candidates, acting rector of UI Usman Chatib Warsa and Martani Huseini, outlining their proposed action plans for the university.

After that, the session moderators, Imam B. Prasodjo and Faisal Basri, questioned the two candidates on their programs.

Then the moderators gave the chance to the audience to ask questions, but they were unable to accommodate all interested participants -- students, administrative staff, lecturers and journalists -- due to the limited time available.

During the session, which was broadcast live by private television Indosiar, Usman said that he would maximize the income from the institution's scientific research and would not burden students with the university's operational expenses that may increase due to the plan to restructure the institution.

"We will use the income from research to contribute one third or more of the total funds required," Usman said, adding that the government would continue to give a subsidy, although it would be reduced in stages.

Martani Huseini, meanwhile, said that if he was elected rector he would allow students to take part in decision making, particularly in deciding the students' tuition fee.

The debate was part of the process to elect a new rector of the university.

The university's board of trustees, which consists of 21 members, including the minister of education, students and lecturers, is scheduled to elect one of the two candidates as rector on Wednesday.