Scholarship helps crisis-hit students

JEMBER, East Java: A total of 1,127 crisis-stricken students at state-run Jember University are now able to stay in school following the disbursement of a Rp 1 billion (US$117,647) scholarship for nine months of expenses, Antara reported on Saturday.

Spokesman Imam Soebagio said each student received a lump sum of Rp 540,000 to pay for their tuition and spend at their discretion. The recipients were obliged to take various jobs on the campus in exchange for the money.

In mid-1998, around 300 students at the university almost dropped out because they were unable to pay their school fees.

In addition, 1,000 high-achieving students at the same university received between Rp 600,000 and Rp 1 million. (swe)