Prosperity for all

Prosperity for all

The development efforts begun by the government more than 25
years ago have borne fruit. The rate of inflation has been
brought down to a one-digit level and per capita income has
increased to about US$800 a year. The number of people living in
poverty has decreased to below 27 million from the initial number
of around three times that.

Besides these achievements, however, many sectors of the
economy still need to be put in order. The number of jobless has
increased as a consequence of growth in the education sector. The
number of people in the workforce has increased while the number
of jobs available remains inadequate. Conditions are complicated
due to the fact that school curriculums often are not in line
with the kinds of skills in demand.

The shift of employment opportunities from the agrarian sector
to the industrial also deserves to be noted. It would be most
encouraging if this trend indicated a growing interest in the
industrial sector.

However, the shifts in land use causing people to lose their
sources of livelihood should be taken into account. These same
people do not have the education or skills to suit the
occupations available -- yet their needs remain unchanged.

These trends affect not only people living in agrarian zones
but also the coastal populations. This produces a condition which
contradicts the aim of development by creating new poverty.
Businesspersons should therefore demonstrate their sense of
responsibility by creating business opportunities that are
suitable to the population and their living environment.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta