Unpatti to be renovated soon
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)