Students, teachers boycott classes

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)