Rp 365b for NTT to curb malnutrition

KUPANG: The central government will disburse Rp 365 billion (about US$36 million) to the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) provincial administration to help resolve an acute food crisis and malnutrition problem in poverty-stricken areas of the country's southernmost province.

Head of the social affairs unit of the NTT administration Fransiskus Salem said on Friday that the funds would be handed over symbolically to the administration next week by Minister of Agriculture Anton Apriyantono.

Fransiskus added that the money was being taken from part of the 2005 budget from various ministries and government institutions.

The province's problems have been in the headlines in recent months as a result of food shortages and malnutrition. The administration said that during the first half of this year, at least 32 children had died because of malnutrition. -- Antara