Indonesian military’s foray into medicine-making rekindles Suharto-era ‘trauma’

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Indonesia’s military will soon begin producing low-cost medicines to boost rural healthcare access, prompting critics to warn that such a move could lead to its heavy involvement in local governance, just like it did during the country’s authoritarian past.Under an agreement signed on July 22 by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM), army, navy and air force laboratories that previously produced medicine for service personnel will begin...