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