Governor lends a helping hand to the jobless
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)