University protest put on hold

SALATIGA, Central Java: More than 2,000 students and staff of Satya Wacana Christian University resumed protests yesterday against the dismissal of outspoken lecturer Arief Budiman.

"This will be the last demonstration until after Nov. 17 because of the APEC forum," Rukmadi, a lecturer from the agricultural school of the university, told The Jakarta Post.

Noted scholar Arief, known as a staunch critic of the government, was dismissed by the university's rector John Thalauw on Oct. 24 for allegedly ignoring warnings over a six-year period not to announce internal conflicts at the university.

Arief, who was seen among the protesters yesterday, said that he had proposed another election for a new rector to former finance minister Radius Prawiro, who is an honorary member of the foundation managing the university.

"If John Thalauw wins the reelection, all of us will certainly support him," Arief said. "I believe this is the best way out to overcome the situation." (har/bas)