Student body backs political campaigns on campus

Rusman, The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan

In contrast to the stance of other student bodies, the Student Executive Body (BEM) of the Samarinda State Polytechnic in East Kalimantan has decided to allow political parties to campaign on campus.

The student body argues that this would politically educate students of the school. The decision was supported by 12 other student organizations of the polytechnic school.

Chairman of the student body, Setiawan Nugroho, said recently that, "The students can observe the visions and missions of political parties, they can learn how politicians influence others and this will enlighten them."

However, Setiawan added, that the parties would have to adhere to particular rules.

Members and sympathizers of a political party are not allowed to attend campaigns on campus, and party paraphernalia is also barred from the school campus, he explained, adding that extreme acts and statements aimed at offending and harassing other political parties were also prohibited.

Meanwhile, the polytechnic school's deputy rector for student affairs, Amiruddin, said that he rejected the students' decision.

The General Elections Law Paragraph 74 Article (G) forbids political parties from using government facilities, places of worship and places of learning to stage political campaigns.

Amiruddin said that he would talk to the students as soon as possible.