Students, teachers boycott classes

SALATIGA, Central Java: Thousands of students and teachers at the Satya Wacana Christian University boycotted classes yesterday in a show of disgust to the recent dismissal of scholar Arief Budiman for disciplinary reasons.

The boycott was the latest effort teachers and students made to press their demand for the reinstatement of the outspoken academic, and retirement of the rector and chief of the university's managing foundation.

Rukmadi Warsito, head of the School of Agriculture who opposes Arief's firing, said demonstrations will continue until the demands are met.

Dr. Feryanto, dean of the Technical School, said Rector John JOI Ihalauw and foundation chief Haryono Semangun have ignored the government's call for the university to resolve the internal dispute without external interference.

"They (Ihalauw and Semangun) disrespect both the university and the government," he said.(har/pan)