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