Research, Technology and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir has called on universities in West Java to step up their efforts to prevent the spread of radical teachings among students.

Speaking in front of top officials from 44 universities in the province on Friday, Nasir said radicalism "could de-stabilize" campuses, which were expected to increase their competitiveness, such as through research publications.

Representatives of the 44 campuses in West Java, which was widely known as Indonesia's most intolerant province, signed an anti-radicalism declaration at Padjadjaran University in Bandung. In the declaration, campuses are urged to embody nationalism values that are important to unite the diverse peoples of Indonesia.

Nasir ordered rectors to carry out intensive monitoring of activities inside campuses, including "discussions on campuses."

"Rectors are responsible for this thing [countering radicalism] and have to know the condition of lecturers and students," Nasir said.

Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara, West Java Governor Ahmad Heryawan, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) rector Hery Suhardiyanto and a number of lawmakers attended the event. (ebf)