University protest put on hold

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)