TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto acknowledged that Indonesia's military and police are taking on responsibilities beyond their traditional roles in defense and security, pointing to their growing involvement in the government's food security programs.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 17th National Farmers and Fishermen's Week (PENAS KTNA XVII) in Gorontalo Regency on Wednesday, June 24, Prabowo said Indonesia's security institutions have become increasingly engaged in agricultural activities aimed at boosting domestic food production.
"Only in Indonesia do the police manage agriculture," Prabowo said during his speech, which was broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube channel. "Only in Indonesia can you find the military working in the fields. Only in Indonesia does the Navy plant soybeans. Only in Indonesia does the Air Force grow sugarcane."
The remarks come as the government continues to involve the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) in a range of food security initiatives.
The military has been assigned to support the government's new rice field development program, while both the TNI and Polri have participated in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Through affiliated foundations, the two institutions have also helped establish Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG), commonly known as MBG kitchens.
In addition, the military has been involved in the selection process for managers of the Red and White Village Cooperatives, a flagship government initiative. The TNI is also responsible for providing basic reserve military training to prospective cooperative managers.
Despite concerns raised by some observers about the expanding role of security institutions in civilian affairs, Prabowo described the involvement of the military and police in food-related programs as strategic and beneficial for national development.
"This is why Indonesia will rise," he said. "We will become a great nation."
Prabowo also praised several government officials and security leaders for their contributions to the country's food security efforts. Those he mentioned included Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman, Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo.
The government's reliance on the military and police in sectors such as agriculture, food distribution, and social programs has drawn increasing public attention as Indonesia pursues its goals of achieving food and energy self-sufficiency.
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