Student body backs political campaigns on campus

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.