UI rector defends student suspension

UI rector defends student suspension

JAKARTA (JP): Rector of the University of Indonesia (UI)
defends his decision on the suspension of a student of the
medicine school.

In his defense in the Jakarta State Administrative Court
yesterday, the rector said that his decision did not contradict
with the university statutes. "The suspension has been considered
carefully."

The rector established a committee for resolution of
violations at the University of Indonesia before decided to
suspend Rifardi Rifiar, according to the rector's lawyer Retno
Murniati.

After studying any matter and holding meeting eight times, the
committee found that Rifardi, a sixth class student of the school
of medicine, had caused disturbances and disorder at the campus.

The student violated article 4 of the University of
Indonesia's regulation number 3, issued in 1994, according to the
committee.

Rector of the University of Indonesia on Dec. 1 issued a
decision strengthening the decision of the school of medicine
dean on the suspension of Rifardi for three months.

The suspension, began on Nov. 2, 1995, was decided on the
ground that he beat up seven other students of the school of
medicine.

The beating, which led to one student being hospitalized for
11 days with serious injuries, is against campus regulations,
according to the dean.

Rifardi filed a lawsuit against the dean and rector with the
Jakarta State Administrative Court over the suspension, saying
that he was not given any chance to defend.

However, rector's lawyer denied the accusation, saying that
the rector, through the committee for resolution of violations,
had called Rifardi for four times. Rifardi did not respond
rector's calls, according to the lawyer.

Rifardi's lawyer O.C. Kaligis yesterday complained to Judge
Mustahdi that the plan of medicine school dean and rector of the
University of Indonesia to meet Chief Justice was unethical since
the dispute was in trial.

Dean of the school of medicine Girindro Pringgodigdo said on
Friday that he and the rector would meet Chief Justice to explain
the case which UI faced in the Jakarta State Administrative
Court.

He declined to say whether meeting with Chief Justice to
explain a case which was in trial.

The trial was adjourned until Jan. 6. (29)