Preliminary view of Indonesia"s employment problem and some options for solving it

The paper sketches a cross-section of the employment picture as of 1980 and examines some of the more pertinent trends of the years 1971-80. The nature and shape of what is generally accepted as an employment problem in Indonesia are examined, and the question of whether the problem will worsen is addressed based on recent projections of labor supply and labor demand. Options for improving employment prospects in Indonesia are considered in a final section, which outlines the core elements for an employment generation strategy and indicates necessary policy redirections; the relative importance and timing of potential policy changes are also discussed. The text provides 84 tables; appendices include a 5-page bibliography and further statistical data.