Scholarships may be stopped

Scholarships may be stopped

JAKARTA (JP): Many postgraduate students at the Bogor
Institute of Agriculture fear their future studies may be in
doubt as rumors are rife that the government will suspend their
scholarship due to the economic crisis.

Antara reported yesterday that news of the possible suspension
of the scholarships was seriously bothering the students, who are
mostly employees at government institutions.

The institute's director for postgraduate programs, Sjafrida
Manuwoto, said that many students had expressed apprehension
about the news and that no government official would comment on
the rumors.

He said some students were so upset they had packed up and
were ready to leave as soon as the government announced the
policy.

"Some have gone, leaving behind their belongings," he said.

The scholarships range from Rp 400,000 ($28.50) to Rp 500,000
a month, which is barely enough to cover the students' basic
necessities. (pan)