Country Report, Workers Aspirations and Needs for the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities

1/29/2007 12:00:00 AM

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Penulis/Peneliti: Yustina Rostiawati; Laurike Moeliono; Dhevy Setya Wibawa

Tahun: 2001

For almost thirty years, Indonesia was enjoying its rapid economic growth. During which time, development in all economic sectors seemed flowering. A promising future was opened up for a nation of 200 million people - the fourth most populous country in the world. But what a difference a year make. The monetary crisis hit Indonesia when the country was experiencing a series of natural calamities in mid of 1997. Since then, Indonesia continues to struggle with economic hardship. Many people lost their jobs, including women and young workers. Some achievements in the past in the area of health and nutrition, education, and walfare are faltering fast. The number of people living in absolute poverty increased significantly from 34.5 million in 1996/97 to 47.9 million in 1999 (National Report on Follow-up to the World Summit of Children 1990-2000, 2001). It is also reported that severe incidence of malnourishment, number of school dropouts at primary and scondary level, and unemployment has increased significantly.