'Be more selective in hiring foreigners'

JAKARTA (JP): Even though the number of expatriates employed by companies in Greater Jakarta is falling, firms are urged to remain selective in hiring foreign workers, an official at the Jakarta office of the Manpower Ministry said yesterday.

"Companies must continue improving their selection so as to prevent expatriates from doing jobs which can be done by local workers," Freddy P. Tuamelly, head of the office, said.

Freddy was quoted by Antara as saying that the number of expatriates working in Jakarta fell from 13,680 in the 1993/1994 fiscal year to 12,404 in 1994/1995, according to his office's data.

"It is impossible to totally prohibit expatriates from working here, but they should fill positions that local workers can't handle yet," he said.

The presence of expatriates is still needed, especially to help attract investment to Jakarta, he said. However, a company's recruitment procedures must be in line with existing regulations or the company will face a penalty, he warned.

Freddy said that his office will cooperate with related institutions to intensify regulation of companies which employ expatriates.

The increased scrutiny is intended to check the extent to which employment procedures and regulations are being implemented, he said.

He also urged companies operating in Greater Jakarta not to employ foreigners on tourist visas.

"If they want to hire them, the tourists should be asked to return to their home countries before their employment proposals are submitted to the government," he said. (hhr)