Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, has decided to involve 100 military units to assist in implementing agricultural projects under his food security policy. Since Subianto assumed the presidency last year, he has expanded the military’s role in the country’s governance, having previously served as the commander of a special military unit. Under his project to provide free food to schools, he has also sought military assistance in transporting these supplies to schools and in producing medicine for public use.
These units, comprising thousands of soldiers, will be active in various regions of Indonesia, carrying out agricultural and health-related projects. The military spokesperson, Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana, said that these units will be particularly active in isolated areas. Yudhayana stated that the military’s main role in advancing these projects is to facilitate. He added that the military fills the void created when projects face obstacles and fail to produce results due to various reasons.
In March, Indonesia passed a law expanding the military’s role in the government. This law has raised concerns among many about the potential emergence of an authoritarian regime in Indonesia. Yudhayana said that the military units’ responsibilities include arranging water supply for uncultivated lands and food production. Many members of the public have expressed concern, noting that the military units don’t possess extensive knowledge about agriculture. However, the country’s Ministry of Agriculture has stated that they will provide training to the soldiers.
Some experts believe that agricultural income can be increased by empowering farmers rather than involving military units in this work.
