Jakarta, Oct. 21 -- The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs is expanding scholarships and allowances for religious education teachers and lecturers as part of President Prabowo Subianto's first-year Asta Cita agenda, the ministry said Tuesday.

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar said improving teachers' welfare is key to strengthening religious education and shaping the nation's character.

The monthly allowance for non-civil servant teachers has increased from Rp1.5 million (US$87) to Rp2 million (US$117).

Meanwhile, 206,325 teachers participated in the Teacher Professional Education (PPG) program, a 700 percent rise from last year. Over 5,000 lecturers at Religious Higher Education Institutions also joined the program.

"T...