Radius plays intermediary role

SALATIGA, Central Java: Former finance minister Radius Prawiro has intervened in the controversy surrounding the dismissal of Arief Budiman, the well-known scholar from Satya Wacana Christian University.

Radius, an honorary member of the foundation managing the university, sponsored a meeting between the rector, the foundation chief and representatives of those opposed to Arief's dismissal.

Rector John Joi Ihalauw said the meeting was held at Muria Indonesia Protestant church in Semarang on Thursday night. Also present were reverends who founded the renowned university.

He said the meeting was only a brainstorming forum on how to resolve the conflict and did not decide anything.

Meanwhile, dozens of students and teachers continued demonstrating their disgust over Arief's "dishonorable" dismissal, burning effigies of the rector and the foundation chief. (har/pan)