[unpad.ac.id, 14/07/2017] Several Rectors of universities in West Java agreed to declare antiradicalism in campus area. The declaration was an effort to regrow the spirit of nationalism in the midst of radicalism attempts to divide national integrity.
Several Rectors of universities in West Java agreed to declare antiradicalism in campus area through antiradicalism declaration signing by 44 rectors of public universities and private universities at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata Unpad, Jl. Dipati Ukur No. 35, Bandung, Friday (14/07). (Photo: Tedi Yusup)*
The declaration was realized through antiradicalism statement by 44 Rectors of Public Universities and Private Universities in West Java, at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata Unpad, Dipati Ukur Street No. 35, Bandung, Friday (14/07).
The declaration was attended by Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education Prof. Mohamad Nasir, PhD, Ak., Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rudiantara, Chief Secretary of National Agency for Terrorism Combating General Mayor TNI R. Gautama Wiranegara, Governor of West Java H. Ahmad Heryawan, and Head of Rector of the University Assembly of Indonesia Prof. Dr. Ir. Herry Suhardyanto, M.Sc.
Besides the aforementioned figures, the event was also attended by representatives of House of Representatives of Republic Indonesia, representatives of Indonesia National Armed Forces as well as Indonesian National Police, representatives of principals and students from 44 Public Universities and Private Universities in West Java, and principal as well as civitas academica of Unpad
There were four actions suggested by civitas academica during the given declaration, namely to hold firmly onto NKRI principles (Pancasila, UUD 194, and the essence of Bhineka Tunggal Ika), determine to prepare young generation with nationalism, refuse to engage in organizations and activities oriented towards radicalism acts against Pancasila, and invite whole nation elements to prevent the spread of radicalism belief.
Governor of West Java positively responded the declaration initiated by civitas academica of universities that was perceived as the pioneer of antiradicalism declaration in society. “Center of change is in university. When we want to strengthen our nationality, university is the first element we need to strengthen.” said Ahmad Heryawan.
As the center of scientific development, university must ensure that false understanding regarding national principle is not developing. Prof. Herry said, civitas academica should remain demonstrating the spirit of diversity, so that students can appreciate diversity and prioritize unity.
Following the declaration, the Assembly encouraged each Rector to conduct consolidation on radicalism potential within campus. Particular approach and counseling towards various parties which involved in beliefs leading to radicalism are highly required.
“We understand very well, how academics side on different thought. Rector must understand that we (Rector) should reach and guide. Not to lead to radical actions,” said Prof. Herry.
Developing campus resistance is also one effort encouraged by Rector Assembly. Prof. Herry, who is also Rector of Bogor Agricultural University, perceives that each lecturer and educator must have valid understanding of nationalism.
Although some view antiradicalism in campus may eventually limit several activities, Menristekdikti denied such view. According to him, universities have portion in scientific development. Nevertheless, activities in question must remain guided to maintain the stability of four pillars of the nation.
Prof. Nasir handed whole authority for implementation to each Rector. “If radicalism acts happens in campus area, Rector will take responsibility,” said Prof. Nasir
Humanist Iwan Abdurachman also attended the event during which he invited the audience to reflect.
Reported by Arief Maulana
