Military to produce medicines

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

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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.

In March, parliament, dominated by Mr Prabowo's coalition, also passed a revision to military law that allows more civilian posts to be occupied by soldiers, sparking protests by student and activist groups.