"I glanced through the campus tabloid, and it said that the university is losing its democracy, several prohibitions were in place over creations and discussions of students, and discussions were staked. I do not think that is good," he remarked while speaking in Bandung, West Java's Padjajaran University, on Wednesday.
The minister expressed belief that discussions are part of the academic culture in campuses that can build democracy, and to this end, he encouraged universities to allow the students to hold discussion events.
"Let campuses be campuses. These institutions build democracy," he reiterated.
He further affirmed that it would be unfortunate if the students' academic achievements were not accompanied by social awareness. Hence, all non-academic traditions that characterize them should be continually cultivated in the campus environment.
"Many people have high GPA scores but cannot develop the community and themselves well," he pointed out.
Hence, he laid emphasis on the need to maintain traditions, including discussions, seminars, book exhibitions, paintings, public lectures, and study tours.
However, he also underlined that such student traditions should be followed in ways that are in accordance with the rules and laws. Furthermore, he noted that the discussion should be open and not discredit or lower the reputation of certain groups.
"It should be open. University leaders should not prohibit it. Students also need to be creative, as several leaders, who later appeared in the government, were activists participating in several discussions," he added. Related news: Campus must play central role in development: President
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Translator: Bagus Ahmad Rizaldi/Aria Cindy
Editor: Suharto
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