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center for the treatment of malnourished children in Timor Tengah Utara regency, East Nusa Tenggara, has ceased operation due to a lack of funding.

Martha, the center's manager, said the organization ceased operation in May after promised government assistance of Rp 150 million (US$15,000) never materialized.

"We have to turn away malnourished kids who are sent here. We suggest their parents take their kids to hospital," Martha said on Monday.

She said 30 malnourished kids who are currently being treated in the center no longer get the milk and food once provided. "It's been almost three months since our employees received a salary."

Meanwhile, head of the regency's health agency, Michael Suri, said the funds could not be disbursed as the purchasing of milk and other nutritious foods should be conducted through a tender process.

"A project worth more than Rp 100 million should be conducted through a tender process. We will find other sources."

East Nusa Tenggara councilor Adrianus Ndu Ufi said the province had allocated Rp 1.8 billion to help 55,500 malnourished children this year, enough for Rp 32,400 per child.

He said this was not enough, as treating the malnourished children would take three to nine months.

"The provincial budget, worth Rp 1 trillion, is mostly allocated for routine expenditures. About 40 percent of the budget is allotted for development spending," Adrianus explained.

There are currently two international organizations helping malnourished children in the province: the United Nation's World Food Program (UNWFP) and UNICEF. The organizations help children in regencies of Sikka, Belu, Timor Tengah Utara, Timor Tengah Selatan and Kupang.