Young executive turned hermit

A young man, Frans Amin (not his real name) was fortunate enough to get a higher education in West Germany. He returned to Indonesia two years ago when jobs became scarce in Germany, especially after East Germany was united with West Germany. It is a well-known fact that East Germans are not so affluent as their fellow countrymen in West Germany.

When the mid-May turmoil occurred in Jakarta, Frans became so disgusted that hoodlums and rioters could destroy and loot shops without paying a price and the security personnel who were supposed to safeguard law and order stood by helplessly. This situation is a far cry from European countries in general where law and order prevails.

The young man wrote to his friends in Germany and told them of his desire to work there, even though he already had a job in Jakarta with a German company. His friends were enthusiastic about his plan and they wrote back, telling him to go there. The young man resigned from his job and left for Germany full of hope, much to the chagrin of his widowed mother, because Frans is an only son.

Three whole months elapsed and still he could not find a job in Germany. Apparently, globalization is in full swing in all sectors, and the unemployment sector is no exception. Loafing around, day by day, for three long months, took its toll on the young man's spirit and he became morose and dejected. As time went on, there was no other way but to return to Indonesia in as much as his wallet grew lighter and lighter.

As strange as it may sound, once in Jakarta he did not try to get a job. He now stays at home, does not mix with friends or acquaintances and has become a self-proclaimed hermit. He spends the whole day staring into space. A tragedy in real life!

A. DJUANA

Jakarta