Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/activists-lawmaker-slam-ui-over-honor-for-saudi-king/462014
Markus Junianto Sihaloho | August 26, 2011
A decision by the University of Indonesia to award an honorary doctorate to Saudi Arabias King Abdullah has provoked a firestorm of criticism from activists, lawmakers and professors.
The furious response, including calls for the universitys president to be removed, highlights the anger over the treatment of Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia put a ban on sending workers to the kingdom following a string of abuse cases and the execution of a domestic worker.
Anis Hidayah, from Migrant Care, said on Friday that King Abdullah did not deserve the award because of the abuses.
We are protesting the award because it violates the humanitarian principle, she said. As the leader of Saudi Arabia, he should stop these practices.
She also criticized the University of Indonesia for its lack of sensitivity. The university should advocate womens rights. Many of our women working [in Saudi Arabia] have been raped and beheaded, she said.
The government stopped sending domestic workers to Saudi Arabia in June, after Ruyati binti Sapubi, 54, was executed for killing her employer in what she said was an act of self-defense.
Her daughter, Een Nurhayani, urged the government to protest the decision to grant the honorary doctorate. How could a killer be given such an honor? Where is the humanity? she said.
Thamrin Amal Tomagola, a sociologist at the university, said the decision to grant the honorary degree left him ashamed. He put the blame for the decision on Gumilar Rusliwa Soemantri, the universitys president.
The honorary doctorate in humanities and science was presented during a ceremony in Saudi Arabia last Sunday.
This incident proves that the chancellor only works with his brain, not with his heart, Thamrin said.
He also said that he was part of a group of lecturers seeking to have the president removed from his position.
Okky Asokawati, a member of House Commission IX overseeing labor affairs, said the commission would summon Gumilar and the education minister, Mohammad Nuh, to explain the honorary doctorate.
The United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker suggested the decision to award the degree might have violated university policy.
Now the Best Part of this News
According to a university bylaw, honorary degrees must be awarded in Indonesia, and those who receive the awards must have submitted their work in the related field.
I am not sure about King Abdullahs achievement in these fields, Okky said.
The award was given out on the basis of the king's contribution to moderate Islam teaching, peace efforts in Middle East and initiatives of inter-faith dialogues.
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Can any one Explain to me what is the meaning of Inter faith dialogues within the light of Wahhabism?
My understanding ,if one is practicing Wahhabi all other segment of Religions school may it be Muslims are Kafir and can be killed at a moment notice, What ever Islamic tie and dye it represent.
Markus Junianto Sihaloho | August 26, 2011
A decision by the University of Indonesia to award an honorary doctorate to Saudi Arabias King Abdullah has provoked a firestorm of criticism from activists, lawmakers and professors.
The furious response, including calls for the universitys president to be removed, highlights the anger over the treatment of Indonesian workers in Saudi Arabia.
Indonesia put a ban on sending workers to the kingdom following a string of abuse cases and the execution of a domestic worker.
Anis Hidayah, from Migrant Care, said on Friday that King Abdullah did not deserve the award because of the abuses.
We are protesting the award because it violates the humanitarian principle, she said. As the leader of Saudi Arabia, he should stop these practices.
She also criticized the University of Indonesia for its lack of sensitivity. The university should advocate womens rights. Many of our women working [in Saudi Arabia] have been raped and beheaded, she said.
The government stopped sending domestic workers to Saudi Arabia in June, after Ruyati binti Sapubi, 54, was executed for killing her employer in what she said was an act of self-defense.
Her daughter, Een Nurhayani, urged the government to protest the decision to grant the honorary doctorate. How could a killer be given such an honor? Where is the humanity? she said.
Thamrin Amal Tomagola, a sociologist at the university, said the decision to grant the honorary degree left him ashamed. He put the blame for the decision on Gumilar Rusliwa Soemantri, the universitys president.
The honorary doctorate in humanities and science was presented during a ceremony in Saudi Arabia last Sunday.
This incident proves that the chancellor only works with his brain, not with his heart, Thamrin said.
He also said that he was part of a group of lecturers seeking to have the president removed from his position.
Okky Asokawati, a member of House Commission IX overseeing labor affairs, said the commission would summon Gumilar and the education minister, Mohammad Nuh, to explain the honorary doctorate.
The United Development Party (PPP) lawmaker suggested the decision to award the degree might have violated university policy.
Now the Best Part of this News
According to a university bylaw, honorary degrees must be awarded in Indonesia, and those who receive the awards must have submitted their work in the related field.
I am not sure about King Abdullahs achievement in these fields, Okky said.
The award was given out on the basis of the king's contribution to moderate Islam teaching, peace efforts in Middle East and initiatives of inter-faith dialogues.
<<<<<<>>>>>>>
Can any one Explain to me what is the meaning of Inter faith dialogues within the light of Wahhabism?
My understanding ,if one is practicing Wahhabi all other segment of Religions school may it be Muslims are Kafir and can be killed at a moment notice, What ever Islamic tie and dye it represent.
