UI graduates weigh uncertain future amid crisis
UI graduates weigh uncertain future amid crisis
JAKARTA (JP): Concern about the country's teetering economy,
which has suddenly swelled the ranks of jobless and made the few
available job positions highly coveted, is shadowing the dreams
of thousands of fresh university graduates this year.
But some graduates still put on a brave face about their
futures.
Interviewed by The Jakarta Post minutes after commencement at
their campus in Depok on Saturday, some of the 1,387 University
of Indonesia graduates said they planned to continue their
studies instead of immediately joining other job seekers.
The graduation ceremony was led by the university's rector,
Asman Boedisantoso. He also announced the acceptance of 3,216 new
students.
At the ceremony, Boedisantoso handed over financial assistance
worth about Rp 1.2 billion (US$107,104) to 1,754 students of poor
families to enable them to continue their studies.
Some of the graduates are confident there are still positions
available. Others are thinking of opening their own businesses.
"I know it's so difficult to find a job nowadays, but I will
try to find a vacancy as a consultant at a law firm," said David
Hertanto, 22, a graduate of the School of Law.
Wearing the graduation attire of a black-and-yellow cap and
gown, he quickly added: "If I fail to get a job, my parents will
finance my postgraduate study here.
"Hopefully, my parents' business will not also be affected by
the crisis."
Even with a diploma from arguably the country' most
prestigious university, it will be tough going: David will
compete with an estimated 15.4 million unemployed.
Another graduate, Sakudin, said he would do his utmost to land
a job for the sake of his family, which has been hard-hit by the
economic turmoil.
"I really hope my university is willing to hire me as a
lecturer in physics," the graduate of the School of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences said.
He listed his other option of teaching at education centers.
"I have done this (teach) since my fifth semester to help
finance my study," said the youngest of six children of parents
who are spice sellers in the Kemis market in Tangerang.
"So if I don't find a job as a lecturer, I will continue with
my old profession."
A similar outlook of pragmatism tinged with frustration was
voiced by Sarwendah Sri Palupi, 24, a graduate of the School of
Letters.
"I realize that a university graduate in library science like
me has little chance of getting a proper job nowadays."
She wondered whether there were companies needing a graduate
with her experience for documentation work.
"But I don't want to think it over right now as today is my
happy day and I have to enjoy it," said Sarwendah, who was
accompanied by her parents, aunts and grandparents.
Laily Muntakiah, 24, from the School of Social and Political
Sciences, contended the crisis should challenge them to draw on
their creative strengths.
They should make their own ventures instead of hunting for
positions in the tight market.
"Why should we always depend on job vacancies? I think we
should create them. For example, they could offer a research
proposal to a consultant."
For the time being, Laily said she would continue her present
job as a surveyor in a social science research consultancy firm,
but keep her dreams intact for the future.
"What I really want is to continue my study abroad," she said.
(ind)