Strengthening Military's Part in Food Safety and Agricultural Programs in Indonesia
In a historic and controversial move, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has expanded the role of the military beyond conventional defense, venturing into social sectors such as agriculture, health, and democracy. This shift, which began in 2025, plans to create 500 new infantry battalions over five years with a mandate to carry out social programs [5].
The military's expanded role is part of a broader legislative change that allows the military a bigger role in the government, as passed in March [1]. This legislative change, however, has raised fears among rights groups of a return to authoritarianism [1].
The military's involvement in agriculture is a first in Indonesia's democratic era. Thousands of soldiers will be deployed across the country to work on agriculture and health projects, marking a significant departure from the government's previous approach of empowering farmers to improve agricultural productivity [2].
According to Made Supriatma, a visiting fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, the government should have improved agricultural productivity by empowering farmers. He argues that the military's increased roles pose a serious threat to democracy [3].
The military battalions will aim to make idle land productive, improve irrigation systems, and increase food production [4]. These battalions will focus on remote areas where projects are not being delivered effectively. The agriculture ministry will train soldiers to equip them with the required farming skills [4].
The military's role is to fill gaps in project delivery due to limitations or problems. The military units will create their own structures, as per the statement by Made Supriatma [4]. It's worth noting that this is not the first time the military has been involved in delivering flagship free school meals and manufacturing medicines for public use [2].
This expansion of the military's role has raised concerns about the military’s growing influence in civilian life and governance. Observers warn about potential impacts on democracy and civilian oversight as the military reaches further into social and political spheres [3].
However, the operational focus under Prabowo remains on conventional expansion with more infantry battalions and territorial units deployed, particularly in strategic border regions. Analysts stress a need for balance with non-traditional threats like cyber warfare and ideological radicalization [2].
In summary, Indonesia's military expansion includes the creation of 500 new infantry battalions over five years with social welfare roles, marking the largest force expansion since Suharto’s era [5][4]. The military's increased roles in sectors such as agriculture and health, though details about specific programs or their impacts are yet to be fully articulated in public sources [2][5]. This shift towards social governance raises concerns about the military’s growing influence in civilian life and governance, with observers warning about potential impacts on democracy and civilian oversight [3][4].
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