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