40 million Indonesians still in poverty

Some 40 million Indonesians are still living below the poverty line, with a average income of $40 a month to support a five-member family, the Social Affairs Ministry says.

Agung Yuwono, director general for social development, says, "This is certainly a negative situation, and those people need help. Our department will pursue its efforts to improve their standard of living."

A first measure will be to allocate grants up to $150 per family requesting a loan to improve housing and living conditions.