Stop orientation program

Stop orientation program

From Merdeka

I would like the orientation program for freshmen in several universities to be stopped because it has a very negative impact. The following cases are a good example of the unjustifiable practice.

In University of Indonesia: TVRI on Aug. 29, 1995 reported that one freshman died during the orientation program, and scores of others left unconscious.

In Bandung Institute of Technology: In 1994, 16 students were hospitalized with broken bones and severe injuries. Some had broken teeth, many had back injuries after being forced to perform "push-ups" on stony ground and cemented floor by sophomores.

In Surabaya Institute of Technology: In 1970 many new students had burns on their faces, chests and abdomens as a result of senior students pouring battery acid on them. As a consequence, some parents sued the senior students guilty of the crime. Three of the defendants were sentenced to four years in jail.

In another university last August, some new students bit senior students and committee members of the orientation program, and damaged some equipment at the closing of the event. Rioting happened because the senior students treated the freshmen far beyond human norms such as forcing the juniors to eat bread that had been repeatedly spat upon. Even a senior challenged a junior to a fight.

In the context of human rights, Pancasila values and law, such crimes must not go unpunished. As a matter of fact, the Circular of Director General of Higher Education No 651/D/O/85 prohibits the execution of the orientation program in both government and private universities.

PRAWIRA W

Bandung