Illustrative photo (Photo: eastasiaforum.org)
 

 Indonesia has deployed 100 army battalions to aid agriculture and health projects under President Prabowo Subianto's food security initiative, highlighting the military's expanding role in civilian affairs.

Indonesian military spokesman Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana said that those battalions comprising thousands of soldiers, will focus on agriculture and health tasks throughout Indonesia, particularly in remote areas.

The soldiers will support and fill personnel gaps for troubled food security projects. They will be involved in many stages, from reclaiming wasteland, improving irrigation systems to increasing food production.

Since taking office last year, President Prabowo has broadened the military's mandate to encompass diverse civilian projects, including free school meals distribution and public medicine production.