UI lecturer denies punching student

UI lecturer denies punching student

JAKARTA (JP): Purnawidhi Wardana, a lecturer at the University
of Indonesia's law school, denied here yesterday reports that he
punched a student activist during a rally on the campus compound
on Tuesday.

"I did drive away the student rally because their noise was
disturbing an examination in one of the law school classes.
However, I did not punch anybody," Purnawidhi, a lecturer of law
philosophy, told The Jakarta Post.

About 80 university students were protesting irregularities,
including the sharply increasing tuition fees, which they
consider a burden on students from low-income families.

They also demanded that the rectorate bring back the defunct
Warta UI campus bulletin, which the rectorate banned for taking a
poll on the fee hikes.

Purnawidhi said that he forced the students to leave the law
school compound because he feared that the yelling of the
protesting students, carrying guitars and a loud speaker, would
disturb the concentration of law school students taking their
examinations.

"Moreover it is my job to get rid of such rallies. I was
forced to speak loudly at the time because the protesting
students were very disturbing," said Purnawidhi, who is an
assistant to the law school dean in charge of student activities.
(hhr)