6,000 lose jobs in Kebumen

SEMARANG: About 2,500 bag and cap home businesses that employ 6,000 workers in Kebumen regency have gone bankrupt because of the deepening economic crisis.

The chief of the Association of Kebumen Bag and Cap Entrepreneurs, Nurhamid, said the companies were unable to buy imported raw materials because prices had soared 300 percent.

Those that could buy the materials were consequently forced to offer goods at very high prices which meant many items remained unsold.

"Many agents have stopped buying our products," Nurhamid said.

He added he hoped the monetary crisis would end in the near future so the industry could recover. (har)