Official warns students 'to remember' their studies
Official warns students 'to remember' their studies
JAKARTA (JP): Students' academic records are likely to regress
following intensive street demonstrations, an official at the
Ministry of Education and Culture said Monday.
Student Affairs Director of the Ministry of Education and
Culture Sudharmadi told The Jakarta Post that many students tend
to join the rallies and neglect their academic studies.
"This is quite harmful because the longer it takes for them to
graduate, the longer it will be for them to prepare their future.
It's a waste of time, money and energy," he said.
If students kept abandoning their academic tasks, by the year
2010 or 2020 -- when they were supposed to be in their most
productive age of 30's and 40's -- this country "would lose a
generation of leaders," Sudharmadi said.
He urged that students pay attention to this problem and not
be too busy "in fixing the management of the republic."
Sudharmadi cited the high absentee levels in campuses as many
students failed to meet the minimum 30 percent appearance in
attending classes.
"When that happens students have to sit for the same subjects
again," he said.
Rectors have stated their support of the student movement,
while students have pledged to continue demonstrations, though in
different forms during the Ramadhan fasting month.
Sudharmadi said students should make the best of the current
"freedom of choice" for them.
"It is up to them to make the best of the situation, and to
manage their time between studies and protests.
"But once again I reminded them that there are no leniencies
for students. Missing classes and assignments is entirely their
responsibility."
Sudharmadi urged students to "be smart and work on concepts"
in the wake of next year's general elections, to win back public
support for their movement.
The longer they stay on the streets, Sudharmadi said, "the
more their brains would become blunt."
"It is obvious because they lose the essential time in the
learning process, debate and interaction in classes."
"I wish them all the luck they need. Let's reform things while
building this country. Do not leave it in debris."
Several public figures have backed authorities in urging
students to stop their rallies particularly during Ramadhan. At
least one politician, Amien Rais, chairman of the National
Mandate Party, has however challenged students to demonstrate in
an appropriate manner in the fasting month, saying it was "the
right time" to convey people's aspirations. (edt)