No sparks fly in rectorial debate

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.