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