Adpara, Manado – Students of Sam Ratulangi University in Manado, North Sulawesi, recently became involved in a physical clash with security personnel during a protest against the government's decision to hold a repeat election for rector. No casualties were reported in the clash.

The students accuse current rector Lucky W. Sondakh of being engineering the decision in an attempt to extend his term. They demanded Sondakh resign immediately to maintain peace on the campus.

Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo reportedly sent a letter to the university asking it to repeat the election, because the one held in October, 2007, was considered invalid.

That October election arrived at the names of three candidates to be submitted to the minister for selection as Sondakh's replacement. The three candidates were Donald Rumokoy, Ellen Kumaat and Sarah Warow.

Chairman of the election team, Julius Pontoh, called on the outgoing rector to remain alert in handling the situation, to ensure educational activities at the campus were not disrupted.