Trouble brewing on university campuses

JAKARTA (JP): Universities have had their own share of problems this year, and a series of brawls at some campuses tainted the image of the country's intellectual community.

Many attributed this to the university students regiment (Menwa), who are recruited and trained by the Armed Forces and is seen as part of the nation's self defense force.

Critics of the regiment said Menwa members have abused their power, bullying other students in campuses.

The issue was raised by members of the House of Representatives at a hearing with Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro. They questioned whether or not there is a case to eliminate Menwa given the negative reputation its members have earned.

The government, responding to the criticisms, agreed to review the way Menwa is managed and supervised but ruled out disbanding the regiment.

There was also a heated debate on the extent to which the government is empowered to interfere in the affairs of privately-owned universities.

Wardiman disclosed his plan to regulate the management of private universities and colleges with a view to protect the interest of students, who pay hefty fees, from the impacts of conflicts among the university administrators.

The private colleges viewed the plan with suspicion, fearing too much interference from the government.

The government did not have to look far for an example to justify its proposal. There were plenty of examples in which students have been affected because of internal disputes at universities.

The trouble at Satya Wacana Christian University in Salatiga, for instance, is the most widely reported this year.

The expulsion of vocal scholar Arief Budiman, who is a staff lecturer at Satya Wacana, triggered a wave of protest in the campus. That in turn led to the removal of Rector John Ihalauw.

So far, the government appears to have managed to stay out of the conflict, but its case for intervention could gain momentum if the university administrator fails to resolve the conflict once and for all. (pwn)