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)