Parents demonstrate at Satya Wacana

Parents demonstrate at Satya Wacana

SALATIGA, Central Java: Demonstrations against the rector of
the Satya Wacana Christian University, John JOI Ihalauw,
continued yesterday.

Yesterday's protest involved not only students and dismissed
teachers but also students' parents, who are frustrated by the
endless dispute, which has practically crippled academic
activities on the campus.

Tension mounted when hundreds of demonstrators marched to the
rector's office. But dozens of security officers deployed on the
campus managed to repel them and restore order.

The protesters then massed on a nearby hill, where their
leaders took turns to criticize Ihalauw, who sparked emotional
protests when he dismissed popular outspoken academic Arief
Budiman last year.

Ihalauw told the parents that the university's management
wanted to settle the dispute amicably, "as soon as possible".

The parents, from various cities in Java, are threatening to
take their protest to the founding churches unless the management
is able to solve the conflict by the end of the month. (har/pan)