Most Read: MBG budget cut to Rp268 trillion in 2026 as five Indonesian nationals abducted by Israel
Jakarta (ANTARA) — A number of news items drew the most reader attention on Tuesday (19 May), ranging from the government trimming the budget for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme to Rp268 trillion in 2026, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming five Indonesian nationals were abducted when Israel intercepted a flotilla convoy to Gaza. The following are yesterday’s news stories that remain worth reading:
- Government trims MBG budget to Rp268 trillion in 2026
The government trimmed the MBG programme ceiling in the 2026 State Budget (APBN) from Rp335 trillion to Rp268 trillion. Realisation of budget disbursement up to 30 April stood at Rp75 trillion, reaching 61.96 million beneficiaries and 27,952 Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG).
- Arsenal crowned English Premier League champions after City fail to beat Bournemouth
Arsenal claimed the English Premier League title after their nearest rivals Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, early on Wednesday. Arsenal’s title ends a 22-year wait, with their last league crown coming in 2004, according to the Premier League.
- Defence Minister cites formation of 750 new battalions by 2029 to curb crime
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the formation of 750 new battalions through 2029 is among the reasons for the move, including to curb crime and bolster the social environment.
- KSAD: No direct instruction to disband nobar “Pesta Babi”
The Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak said there were no direct instructions to the ranks regarding the scrapping of the nobar (watch party) for the film Pesta Babi: Kolonialisme di Zaman Kita. He noted that the cancellations in several regions were the result of coordination and decisions by local governments for security reasons.
- Foreign Ministry confirms five Indonesian nationals abducted when Israel intercepts Gaza flotilla
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry (Kemlu) confirmed five Indonesian citizens were captured by Israeli forces who intercepted vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) convoy to Gaza on Monday (18 May).