T

he University of Indonesia (UI) is facing serious problems of transparency and poor governance, and the recent protest over the awarding of an honorary doctorate to the Saudi king is just the tip of the iceberg, a highly respected economist and statesman has warned.

Speaking at a gathering at the UI’s School of Economics in Depok, West Java, on Monday, Emil Salim cited a massive number of complaints he had received from the public about five major issues, particularly the need to enforce transparent management and accountability.

He further cited the need for “participation from all stakeholders of the university, checks and balances in the university management and the growth of creativity welcoming a diversity of opinions on campus”, as other major problems facing the university.

Emil further noted that the controversial degree for Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz was an excellent example of unilateral decision-making by the UI’s rector, Gumilar Rusliwa Somantri. The rector made the decision without involving other stakeholders, particularly the board of trustees.

Emil however called on the public to move the debate on from the controversial doctoral degree.

“I received hundreds of text messages and emails expressing concern over the poor management and leadership of the university which sparked the idea of sacking the rector,” said Emil, who held various positions in Soeharto’s cabinets.

“The University of Indonesia was established based on moral independence to build a university as a powerhouse to help create a democratic and globally competitive society,” said the professor.

Gumilar, who met Emil at the latter’s residence on Sunday evening, rejected complaints about his poor leadership.

“I have always led the university based on good governance and transparency. Everybody in this university has the right to state their opinions including those who object to my leadership. I have no problem with that,” he said.

When asked about his opinion of some UI members claiming the university’s budgeting was obscure, Gumilar responded that all matters regarding the university, including financial reports, were available on its website for anyone to examine.

“That is the purpose of adopting a centralized financial system so that the budget can be managed by a single body while it can be monitored by all,” he said.

The UI rector awarded a doctoral degree to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Aug. 21 in recognition of his contribution to the field of peace and humanity.

Other foreign recipients of an honorary degree from UI this year include Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Brunei Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah and Prof. A.P.M. Heintz.

Meanwhile, Prof. Akmal Taher, a member of the university’s board of trustees said that board members had sent a letter to the rector to summon him on Sept. 14 for an explanation about awarding the doctoral degree to King Abdullah and to evaluate his performance.

“The degree is likely to be revoked if the board members find anything wrong with the procedure,” he said. (msa)