Open university, a sin?

Open university, a sin?

From Pikiran Rakyat

An article in Pikiran Rakyat, April 23, has voiced the concern of the Ministry of National Education over the system of long- distance education.

According to the ministry's director of higher education and public empowerment, Prof. Dr. Fuad Hamid, the long-distance system is prohibited in terms of religion, hence it will be a sin if implemented.

As a student of the Open University (UT), I feel confused because UT itself is one of the state higher learning institutions recognized by the education ministry, with even a post-graduate program now underway.

UT applies the Open University Long-Distance Study Program and is found in all major cities.

In my view, there is no religious prohibition in the search for knowledge or education, as long as the science studied is positive, beneficial and compatible with religious teachings.

Therefore, I hope Prof.Dr. Fuad Hamid will clarify his statement as published in the newspaper, so that the tens of thousands of UT students can be convinced of the legitimacy of this open university.

ACEP RAHMAT SALEH Bandung