Manokwari needs more teachers

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: The shortage of teachers in Fakfak is so severe that members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) have to be recruited to teach in classrooms.

Fakfak military Chief Lt. Col. Yohanes Gatot Marwoto said that security disturbances by separatist rebels is to blame for the decline of people's participation in education.

He said that rebels have terrorized villagers and forced them to join their ranks in the jungles, Antara reported.

The local government has complained that teachers brought in from other provinces usually quit after a while because they cannot take the hardships generated from basic problems such as lack of communication and meager wages. (pan)