Governor lends a helping hand to the jobless
JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso vowed yesterday to assist the huge number of blue collar workers in the city who have been laid off due to the monetary crisis.
The governor promised to hire jobless laborers for projects financed by the city administration, including the regreening, clean river and low-cost apartment projects.
"I believe that the unemployment rate here has reached an alarming level and could cause social unrest. I don't want any disorder here, so I intend to solve the problem by inviting the workers to join the city's programs."
Sutiyoso said the latest data from the city's Ministry of Manpower office revealed that almost one million Jakartans -- including white collar workers -- have lost their jobs due to the economic woes.
"These kinds of projects need lots and lots of workers, especially casual workers. By hiring them, I hope that the city can temporarily solve the problems of unemployment and thereby reduce the burden on the city."
Sutiyoso provided no details about the estimated number of workers to be hired or the total investment needed for the projects.
He said only that the city's manpower agency was compiling a list of unemployed workers in and around the city in line with the plan.
Next month, the listed workers will be allocated jobs in accordance with their skills, he said.
Sutiyoso made the announcement after conducting a sweeping inspection which took in Pulo Gadung Terminal, Senen Railway Station, Tanah Abang market and Tanjung Priok Port. The purpose of his tour was to conducted an on-the-spot check of food supplies and transportation ahead of New Year's, Ramadhan and Idul Fitri.
In recent months, the city has started to feel the full brunt of the economic turmoil and rupiah's free fall.
A huge number of construction projects have been stopped, leaving a growing number of people unemployment.
The price of a wide range of imported and locally produced commodities, ranging from food to electronics, have leaped significantly in price.
"I understand that the current situation could lead to chaos. Food and jobs are important because they deal directly with people's basic daily living requirements," Sutiyoso said.
He called on the executives of city-owned companies not to add to unemployment numbers.
"This time is a very hard time for everyone. So I strongly suggest that all city-owned companies refrain from firing their employees. The most important thing now is to concentrate on how to survive this situation."
The governor's concerns were shared by City Council Speaker Edy Waluyo.
Edy said firing workers during the money crisis would only lead to other serious problems.
"(Job dismissals) will guarantee that there will be riots and chaos everywhere," he warned.
If employers have no choice but to dismiss workers then they must adequately compensate their staff, he said.
"I'm really worried about the situation in the city. We must be able to anticipate the unemployment problem because it is related to the security and stability of Jakarta."
Based on data from the city's social service agency, 90 percent of unemployed workers here had moved to Jakarta to realize their dreams.
Sutiyoso said: "Without adequate skills, however, they end up homeless or, if they are lucky, find jobs in the informal sector, becoming ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers or sidewalk vendors. This really burdens the city."
The governor urged people who left the city during the festive season not to bring their relatives and friends back with them to Jakarta.
"You see for yourself that Jakarta is already too crowded. So please, realize that there is a problem and don't come here unless you are well prepared," he told a traveler at Senen Railway Station during yesterday's inspection. (edt)