Ministry proposes Rp 5t 2005 budget

JAKARTA: The Ministry of Social Affairs announced it had proposed a Rp 5 trillion (US$543 million) for the 2005 budget.

More than half of that amount, or Rp 2.7 trillion, is allocated toward poverty alleviation programs to help the poor, who account for 37.4 million of the country's 220 million population.

The poverty funds will be used to help improve the living standards of those who live in remote areas and poor conditions through various programs, including farming and animal husbandry.

Another Rp 1.25 trillion is allocated toward social welfare and natural disaster management. -- JP