Habibie outlines grim realities<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie yesterday recognized that
\nthere was little the government could do to help reduce the
\nunemployment rate, especially among the educated, which is
\nexpected to further swell in the months ahead.<\/p>\n
Without giving specific numbers, Habibie said the government
\nwould not be able to provide adequate job opportunities as the
\ncountry's economy contracted severely over the next few years.<\/p>\n
\"It means that there will be massive layoffs this year, and
\nwhen the number is combined with current unemployment, the number
\nwill be extremely huge,\" the President said at the Bina Graha
\npresidential office at the opening ceremony of a working meeting
\nof Islamic university rectors.<\/p>\n
Official records show that at least 15.4 million people are
\nalready unemployed.<\/p>\n
Students not only face an uncertain future after finishing
\ntheir studies, but many are experiencing difficulty just trying
\nto continue their education as academic costs surge.<\/p>\n
The government pledged to provide several scholarships despite
\nits own severe budget constraints.<\/p>\n
The President warned yesterday that unemployment would not
\nonly bring economic but also social and political consequences to
\nthe country.<\/p>\n
\"Unemployment is not only an economic symptom, but also a
\npsychological symptom which brings implications to other
\nsectors,\" Habibie cautioned.<\/p>\n
Habibie, however, expressed hope that those with an education
\ncould create their own work rather than depending on the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
\"Their education background... must enable them to start
\ntheir own businesses although they may have to start them from
\nscratch,\" Habibie said. (prb)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/habibie-outlines-grim-realities-1447893297",
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