Govt to create labor intensive job program
JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has ordered the provision of labor intensive projects, especially in Jakarta and Surabaya, to enable unskilled workers to earn an income in the lead up to Christmas, New Year and the Islamic fasting month Ramadhan.
The President said blue-collar workers are suffering from the severe economic turmoil as many projects, especially in the construction sector, have had to be stopped due to the companies' cash flow problems.
"We will develop labor-intensive projects such as the construction of drainage ditches, renovation of dikes and water canals, the rejuvenation of slum areas and the procurement of clean water, especially in Jakarta and Surabaya," Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said after meeting with Soeharto at his residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.
Soeharto summoned yesterday Latief, Minister of Cooperatives Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya, State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung, State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono, and Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.
Latief met with reporters after his four colleagues held a separate press conference earlier.
"The President indeed gives serious attention to ordinary people, and he wants to make sure that they will not have problems, especially in facing the Ramadhan fasting month and Idul Fitri," said Latief.
The government will also provide similar projects in drought- hit regencies. The final decision on these projects will be announced tomorrow.
When asked about funding for the projects, Latief said: "Pak Ginandjar (State Minister of National Development Planning) has told me that he has prepared the funds. This is encouraging."
In a meeting with Ginandjar last week, Soeharto asked him to prepare labor intensive projects in big cities and rural areas to minimize the effects of the currency crisis which has caused rising unemployment.
Vice President Try Sutrisno appealed again to the nation yesterday to remain patient in facing the current economic crisis and work hard to help the ailing economy recover.
Speaking to the organizing committee of Christmas celebrations for civil servants and the Armed Forces (ABRI) at Merdeka Selatan Palace, Try called on Christians to work harder in the Christmas spirit.
"We must face the ongoing economic hardship with great patience and a strong belief in God," committee chairman Lt. Gen. Arie J. Kumaat quoted Try as saying.
President Soeharto, Try and several cabinet ministers are expected to hold the celebrations on Dec. 27. State-owned TVRI and other private TV stations are expected to broadcast the ceremony live.
During the meeting with Try, Kumaat was accompanied by State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi, chairman of the Indonesian Communion of Churches Sularso Sopater and executive secretary of the Indonesian Bishops Conference M.J. Notoseputro. (prb)