Indonesia focuses on school nutrition

The programme benefits over 2 million students from various educational levels, and supports over 27,000 individuals, including Islamic boarding school students, special school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Students at an elementary school in Jakarta enjoy a free meal provided by the government for the first time. (Photo: asia.nikkei.com)
Students at an elementary school in Jakarta enjoy a free meal provided by the government for the first time. (Photo: asia.nikkei.com)

Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Finance has disclosed that the government disbursed 710.5 billion IDR (41 million USD) for the free nutritious meals (MBG) programme as of March 12.

The programme benefits over 2 million students from various educational levels, and supports over 27,000 individuals, including Islamic boarding school students, special school students, toddlers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Previously, the government allocated 71 trillion IDR (4.1 billion USD) for the MBG programme through the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), targeting 17.9 million beneficiaries this year. However, President Prabowo Subianto has instructed an expansion of the program in 2025, increasing the target to 82.9 million beneficiaries.

With this expansion, the required budget is projected to rise to 171 trillion IDR (10 billion USD). The additional funds will come from efficiency savings in ministry and institutional (K/L) spending, as directed by the President./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand calls for stricter control over pollution sources

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the Pollution Control Department (PCD)'s Air Pollution Situation Communication Centre has issued an alert on increases of PM2.5 concentrations, particularly in Bangkok, its surrounding provinces, the upper Central Plains and the Northeast.

Illustrative photo: www.pna.gov.ph

Philippines assesses security threats ahead of ASEAN Summit

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rommel Roldan said the military will provide full support to the PNP, which will take the lead in maintaining peace and order during the country’s hosting of ASEAN-related activities. Troops have been ordered to extend necessary assistance to the PNP in ensuring the safety and security of the events.

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Indonesia to reform state-owned enterprises

Positive signs have emerged from restructuring efforts at several large SOEs, including national airline Garuda Indonesia, Krakatau Steel (KRAS) and Timah Tbk (TINS), helping improve their performance and market standing, State asset fund Danantara Indonesia said.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro (L) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu sign the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) (Photo: pna.gov.ph)

Philippines, Japan sign new defence agreement

The Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) allows the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Japan's Self-Defence Forces to provide each other with fuel, food, ammunition, and other supplies during joint activities.

Cambodian soldiers are deployed alongside a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher in a disputed border area with Thailand near Ta Moan Thom temple on July 25, 2025. (Source: Reuters/VNA)

Thailand, Cambodia hold talks to ensure ceasefire

Cambodia reaffirmed its firm, resolute, and sincere commitment to faithfully respect and implement the joint statement and other relevant documents, with the aim of seeking a peaceful, just, and lasting solution in accordance with international laws and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.

The scene of a crane collapse in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, on January 15, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Another crane collapses in Thailand

The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon province near the capital Bangkok, where a crane involved in the construction of an elevated highway fell onto the road beneath.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Cambodian PM declares crackdown on cyber scams

The Cambodian PM noted the strict measures against online scams in the past are a testament to the government's political commitment to combating this transnational crime, which is a common concern for Cambodia, the region, and the world.