Shut down STPDN

Shut down STPDN

From Koran Tempo

At first, I was against closing down the Public Administration Institute (STPDN) following the death of Wahyu Hidayat. I thought a better solution was to abolish the militaristic features of this institute.

However, after watching a report titled Torture behind the walls of STPDN -- aired by private television station SCTV on Sept. 21, 2003 -- I changed my mind. The report graphically illustrates that STPDN is not an educational institute. Rather, it is a place where civilized people are transformed into savages.

Closing the institute is the best solution, given the immoral behavior that is deeply rooted in the students and some of the institute's management. They have established something akin to a gang.

The students must be sent back to their home provinces to stop such brutality, remembering that the brutality of gangs is largely inspired by peer pressure.

Then, provincial administrations should send students to universities in their respective provinces. As for the assets of STPDN, they can be utilized for other purposes.

Finally, legal action must be taken against those involved in sadistic practices at STPDN and those responsible for allowing such practices.

H. PRIYATNA Bandung