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)