Dismissed workers return to Lampung

JAKARTA (JP): Many workers dismissed from companies in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have started to return to their homes in Lampung, southern Sumatra.

Darjan Hidajat, the head of Bandan Hurip village in Palas, South Lampung, said on Saturday that many village residents had recently returned from Jakarta.

"This monetary crisis has added to the number of poor people. At least 30 people have returned here after being dismissed from their jobs in Jakarta," Hidajat said as quoted by Antara.

The dismissed workers would now have to seek work in the village, particularly in the agricultural sector, he added.

One hundred and seventy four of Bandan Hurip's 5,660 residents are registered as unemployed.

At least one million of Lampung's seven million population are thought to work at companies in the Greater Jakarta area. (jun)