Students and practical politics

Students and practical politics

In the words of Minister of Education and Culture Wiranto
Arismunandar, the current series of student protests have begun
to turn into acts of practical politics. For that reason, the
demonstrations and other such actions on campuses are to be
banned. According to the minister, "practical politics" is
defined as "any action committed by individuals or groups
participating in, or influencing, either in a direct or an
indirect manner, the political decision-making process."

This is a broad definition with a narrow interpretation. The
interpretation considers the act of students denouncing
collusion, corruption and nepotism and asking the government to
do something about it an engagement in practical politics, which
is taboo. What does this mean? Simple: Our students, who are
enjoying the highest education available, are barred from
expressing their concerns. This point of view is confusing --
just as confusing as the idea that to demand political reform is
tantamount to being antigovernment.

If we care to look a little deeper into the issue, we would
see that the student demands are actually quite simple. They want
to be heard. They want us to take note of their aspirations and
to act. We should be asking ourselves this question: What do we
want our students to be? Sterile creatures who lack any feelings
of concern? If that is what we want, we are actually belittling
our own efforts to promote education. Our students' critical
views and their concerns are essentially the results of the
education they have received, both on campus and in society.

-- Republika, Jakarta