UI students to block Depok campus

JAKARTA: Members of the University of Indonesia's Student Executive Body (BEM UI) plan to block all entrances to their campus in Depok, West Java, starting Monday, until the university changes its current admission requirements.

"We have tried to negotiate with the rector, and held peaceful protests outside the psychology studies building since July 28, but there has been no response from the management," BEM activist Wirna said on Friday.

Rector Chatib Usman Warsa imposed admission fees of Rp 25 million (US$2,808) on students who had been selected to study medicine, dentistry, engineering and computer science. However, they don't have to undergo an admission test.

Wirna said only 249 out of 276 selected students had paid the admission fee, while the remaining had canceled their study plans for financial reasons. -- Antara