Muhamadiyah students run riot on campus

KUPANG: Hundreds of Kupang Muhamadiyah University students ran amok Friday, destroying school rooms and property, as well as doors and windows.

They were protesting the university's decision to report School of Fisheries lecturer Muhamad Rizka to the Kupang Police for unpleasant behavior during a meeting prior to the election for rector.

"The board of executive directors and the dean know nothing about rules. Why must an internal matter be reported to the police?" said Muhamad Ryas, who coordinated the protest.

"They're thinking about their own hides and lack all leadership."

The protest may disrupt the election, scheduled for Saturday.

The university has functioned shakily since January, with students and lecturers demanding rector Zainudin be fired for his "inadequate qualifications".

Zainudin has only a bachelor's degree, while the university's prerequisite for rectors in a master's degree. -JP