Indonesian military's new pharma role sparks fears of expanded powers


FILE PHOTO: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto delivers his speech during a press conference at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, Indonesia, January 11, 2025. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/File Photo

JAKARTA (Reuters) -Indonesia's military will begin manufacturing medicines for public distribution under a new agreement, officials said on Tuesday, in the latest expansion of the armed forces' role in civilian affairs since President Prabowo Subianto took office.

The president, a former defence minister and special forces commander, has expanded the powerful military's role in civic affairs since taking office last year - including running much of his flagship project to serve free school meals.

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