Student regiments

Student regiments

Is it necessary to retain the (paramilitary) student regiments
(Menwa)? This is a question that continues to surface in the wake
of the clash between Himpala (student nature lovers organization)
members and the Menwas at the Universitas Nasional (Unas) in
Jakarta, last Tuesday. Indeed, questions like this have been
asked since long before the Unas clash.

In general, the question concerns the excessive behavior of
Menwa members vis-a-vis their fellow students, or even towards
outsiders. It has happened at various other universities also,
repeated acts of harassment -- beatings, detentions and even
hostage-taking -- have been committed by Menwa members.

It was this string of incidents that recently led a member of
the House of Representatives' Commission IX to question the
Menwa's existence. Earlier this month the House questioned the
Minister of Education and Culture on the attitude displayed by
some Menwa members, who they thought were acting more like
soldiers than like students. The minister at that time promised
to look into the Menwa training methods, although this did not
necessarily mean that the student regiments would be disbanded.

Now, in view of the frequent excesses, it seems that indeed
there is a need to reconsider the concept of Menwa training. The
organization may not need to be disbanded, as many people are
demanding. What must be reconsidered is the training method. At
present it seems that Menwa activities are somewhat isolated from
other student activities on campus. The Menwa organizations
should be integrated and run in coordination with other student
activities on campus. Moreover, the Menwa should not be treated
as if they are favored over other students.

Also, the use of military attributes needs to be reconsidered.
It could be that it is the very use of such traits that alienates
the Menwa from other students and makes them unpopular. Moreover,
the uncontrolled use of military attributes could damage the
image of the Armed Forces (ABRI). At a moment when ABRI is
clearly becoming more professional and more popular among the
people, that very favorable image is being damaged by a handful
of Menwas.

-- Republika, Jakarta