Minister tells graduates to become entrepreneurs

Minister tells graduates to become entrepreneurs

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology Zuhal
told new university graduates here on Tuesday to become
entrepreneurs to cope with the prolonged economic crisis.

In his speech delivered during a graduation ceremony for 147
students from the private Indonusa Esa Unggul University, Zuhal
said that if they became entrepreneurs, the graduates would
create new jobs and help lead the country out of the economic
crisis.

"I believe that one of the reasons why this country's economy
collapsed is because we paid very little attention to small and
medium-sized entrepreneurs," Zuhal, who is also chairman of the
Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), said.

Becoming an entrepreneur is not difficult, he said, suggesting
the graduates look for opportunities in Tangerang and its
immediate environs.

"Don't look too far, find opportunities in Tangerang's vast
industrial estates," he said.

However, Zuhal gave no suggestions on how new graduates should
go about getting started in a life of business and could offer no
advice on what sectors of the economy offered them the best
opportunities for success.

However, he helpfully suggested that the young graduates' new
businesses should be export-oriented.

In response, the university's rector Kemala Motik Abdul Gafur
commented: "We have always encouraged an entrepreneurial spirit
in our students."

Three hundred and seventy five students have graduated from
the university since it was founded in 1993. Tuesday's ceremony
took place at the university's campus on Jl. Terusan Arjuna, West
Jakarta. (jun)