Yesterday: Event Organiser Services for BGN to Restrictions on Entry to Mecca

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A selection of interesting news from Monday (13 April) can be revisited, ranging from the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) stating that event organiser (EO) services are part of professionalism to Saudi Arabia implementing entry restrictions to Mecca starting 13 April.

1.) Head of BGN Explains Use of EO Services as Part of Professionalism

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Dadan Hindayana, has assured that the use of event organisers (EOs) in various events is part of BGN’s professionalism to build a quality operational system and governance in order to successfully implement the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG).

This addresses public scrutiny regarding the allocation of approximately Rp113 billion for EO services.

2.) BRIN: Beware of the Potential Return of the Plague Outbreak in Indonesia

The Centre for Public Health and Nutrition Research at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has warned the Indonesian public of the potential return of the plague outbreak in Indonesia.

Although no human cases have been found in recent years, Researcher from the BRIN Centre for Public Health and Nutrition Research, Ristiyanto, mentioned the phenomenon of a silent period, which is a time when the disease is not detected for a long time but still has the potential to re-emerge.

3.) Government Reviews Economic Stimulus through Expansion of Social Assistance

The government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, is still reviewing the possibility of expanding social assistance (bansos) in 2026 as part of an economic stimulus scheme amid efficiency policies that counter global economic uncertainties due to tensions in the Middle East.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that discussions on economic stimulus, including the option of expanding social assistance, are currently at an early stage involving simulations and cross-ministerial coordination.

4.) Saudi Arabia Implements Entry Restrictions to Mecca Starting 13 April

The Saudi Arabian government, through the Ministry of Interior, has set a policy restricting access to the Holy City of Mecca for anyone without official permission, effective from today, Monday, 13 April 2026.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Ichsan Marsha, said the policy is part of arrangements ahead of the 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE Hajj pilgrimage.

5.) 15,000 Food Aid Packages from Indonesia Received by Palestinian Community

A total of 15,000 food aid packages from the Indonesian community, channelled through the National Zakat Amil Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia, have been received by the people of Gaza, Palestine.

The Main Secretary of Baznas RI, Subhan Cholid, expressed gratitude for the successful delivery of the aid to those in need in Gaza.