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)