Suherdjoko, Semarang – There are 1.23 million people in Central Java unemployed says a manpower agency official.

Siswo Laksono, head of Central Java's Manpower, Transmigration and Population Agency, said this year only 15.46 million out of 16.69 million people will have jobs.

"We have tried to resolve the problem but we cannot meet targets. The number of job seekers is more than the number of job opportunities," he said.

The Central Java administration has allocated Rp 70 billion (US$7 million) to regencies and mayoralties to deal with unemployment.

Siswo said if people were looking for work they should find out about job vacancies. "We are holding a job fair Tuesday and today," Siswo added.

Thirty-seven companies are participating in the job fair including those in the banking, textile, printing, hospitality, retail, insurance, catering and automotive sectors. It expects to recruit 2,291 new employees.