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