35,000 dropouts in Central Java

SEMARANG: About 35,000 students from elementary to high school levels dropped out of school in Central Java last year, the provincial ministry of national education spokesman said on Monday.

Harjanto said 16,876 were elementary students, 11,794 in junior high school and the rest in high school.

He identified economic difficulties as the main reason for them leaving school.

"Many of them are busy helping their parents put food on the table," Harjanto said. He added that many entered the informal sector as laborers, vendors and household help.

"Many girls also got married at a young age," Harjanto said. (har/edt)