Making most of human resources

From Republika

In the final stage of the merging process of four state banks -- Bank Dagang Negara, Bank Exim, Bank Bumi Daya and Bapindo -- into Bank Mandiri, there will be layoffs which will provide golden handshakes to those affected. If I am not mistaken, about 15,000 employees from the four banks will be dismissed with material compensation that is relatively better than that provided by other companies.

On the one hand, layoffs of a great number of employees is a necessary efficiency measure. It must be remembered, however, that it is a loss for the government as an institution. The people laid off are human resources who were selected on the basis of capability and professional training in a work field connected with the mission of public service.

Meanwhile, the government -- especially in the recruiting of new personnel for its ministries, regional administrations and nonministerial institutions -- has so far experienced difficulties in selecting quality human resources and the best university graduates.

Why doesn't the government consider accommodating the excess state bank employees, who meet a number of criteria, at ministries and government institutions requiring human resources of quality? Wouldn't recruiting young people who already have a work culture and good capacity mean new blood for government offices?

M. FUAD NASAR

Jakarta