Rectors and university lecturers could be sanctioned if they encourage students to stage ralliesJakarta (ANTARA) -
Rectors and university lecturers could be sanctioned if they encourage students to stage rallies, according to Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Muhamad Nasir.
The universities could even face criminal charges if the rallies damage public facilities or cause losses to the state, the minister said here on Thursday, after meeting with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the State Palace.
Nasir asked university students to convey constructive criticisms and proposals in positive ways, such as through dialogs on campuses.
"I have told rectors and university leaders to tell their students: university students' demonstrations might be used by other people for other interests. I allow university students to offer criticism, but it should be carried out in a positive way," the minister said.
University students have staged demonstrations across the regions in Indonesia over the past several days to oppose the revisions of several laws, including those on the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and Criminal Code (KUHP), which are believed to be regressive for democracy and the fight against corruption.
The rallies in Jakarta, Makassar, Medan, and several other regions on Tuesday (Sept 24) turned chaotic, as police resorted to using water cannons and firing tear gas to disperse demonstrating students. Some police chased students and battered them with clubs, causing injuries to several of them.
The Jakarta Police deployed some 18,000 police officers to guard the Parliament building in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Chief of the Jakarta Police, Inspector General Eddy Pramono, stated that 39 police officers and 265 students were injured in the clashes, with 11 students requiring hospital treatment on September 24, 2019.
On Sept 25, thousands of senior high school and vocational school students demonstrated to express their solidarity with the university students in Jakarta and other cities.
On Sept 26, thousands of university students from universities in several regions, such as Surabaya, Mataram, Aceh, Garut, Kendari, and Magelang, again held rallies.
In Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Randi, 21, a student from the University of Halu Oleo, was killed and three other students were injured during a demonstration in front of the local legislative council building.
“We are not sure whether he died because of being hit by live bullets or rubber bullets," said Colonel Yustinus Nono Yulianto, commander of the 143/HO military resort, when speaking to the press at the Army Hospital dr Ismoyo in Kendari on Thursday.
Related news: Indonesian students hold rallies to protest law changes
Related news: Minister discusses demonstrating students' sentiments with Jokowi
(INE)
Translator: Bayu Prasetyo, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
