Divorce rate soars in crisis

TEGAL, Central Java: The number of divorce cases in the regency has tripled over the past two years, soaring from 30 cases a month before the economic crisis hit in July 1997 to 300 per month in late 1998.

The chief of the local religious court, H. Bisri, blamed the increase on effects of the crisis.

"We are sure this development is caused by the crisis, because 90 percent of the cases were lodged by the wives complaining about absent or unemployed husbands."

He said the men usually told their wives they were leaving to seek jobs out of town, but subsequently failed to inform them of their whereabouts or send money to their families.

Suwarti, 30, who recently filed for divorce in the local religious court, said: "Why should I let my children starve? It's better to find another husband who can feed my family." (45)