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)