Habibie outlines grim realities

Habibie outlines grim realities

JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie yesterday recognized that
there was little the government could do to help reduce the
unemployment rate, especially among the educated, which is
expected to further swell in the months ahead.

Without giving specific numbers, Habibie said the government
would not be able to provide adequate job opportunities as the
country's economy contracted severely over the next few years.

"It means that there will be massive layoffs this year, and
when the number is combined with current unemployment, the number
will be extremely huge," the President said at the Bina Graha
presidential office at the opening ceremony of a working meeting
of Islamic university rectors.

Official records show that at least 15.4 million people are
already unemployed.

Students not only face an uncertain future after finishing
their studies, but many are experiencing difficulty just trying
to continue their education as academic costs surge.

The government pledged to provide several scholarships despite
its own severe budget constraints.

The President warned yesterday that unemployment would not
only bring economic but also social and political consequences to
the country.

"Unemployment is not only an economic symptom, but also a
psychological symptom which brings implications to other
sectors," Habibie cautioned.

Habibie, however, expressed hope that those with an education
could create their own work rather than depending on the
government.

"Their education background... must enable them to start
their own businesses although they may have to start them from
scratch," Habibie said. (prb)