Unpatti to be renovated soon

AMBON, Maluku (JP): The renovation of the state-run Pattimura University (Unpatti) which was gutted during a riot here in July, will begin early next year using Rp 140 billion in aid from the Japanese government

Rector Mus Huliselan announced on Monday that the renovation would start with the university's campus in Poka and Rumahtiga villages, Teluk Ambon Baguala district.

"But the Japanese government wants to be sure that the situation is safe and calm so that the rebuilding efforts won't be in vain," Mus said, referring to any possible reoccurrence of violence which could result in the destruction of the university once again.

The university, once seen as a symbol of neutrality in the sectarian conflict in Maluku, fell victim to the violence after two days of rioting on July 4 and 5.

Most of the university's buildings, which were relatively new, were gutted when the campus came under armed attack.

Educational activities in the campus have continued, however, despite the massive damage to the 30-hectare site.

The government at the time decided that lectures for the university's 7,000 students must continue even if they had to be conducted in the open air.

"We resumed teaching activities at the PGSD campus in the Mangga Dua area and this site will also be renovated by funds from the Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure," Mus said after a graduation ceremony held behind the Maluku gubernatorial office here.

Most of the students have continued with their studies by attending alternative classes jointly conducted by non- governmental organizations and local officials.

"Actually, we need more funding as the damage was massive. But, hopefully, the local administration will be able to help us cover the remaining costs," the rector said without elaborating.

The university was also collaborating with other state universities in Indonesia to find places for its students who wished to transfer because of the sectarian unrest in Ambon, he said. (49/edt)