Military takes lead on food security

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto (L) inspects troops from a vehicle during the Operational Troops and Military Honours ceremony as President Prabowo Subianto inaugurates commanders of Special Forces Command (Kopassus), Marine Corps, and Air Force Quick Reaction Command (Kopasgat) at Suparlan Airfield, in Bandung, West Java, August 10, 2025. (Photo by Timur Matahari / AFP)

THE nation has set up 100 army battalions to help with agriculture projects under President Prabowo Subianto’s food security initiative, an official said, underscoring the growing role of the military in civilian life.

Since being inaugurated as president last year, Prabowo, a former special forces commander, has expanded the role of the military, including using soldiers to deliver his flagship free school meals project and to manufacture medicines for public use.