Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantoro said the handover, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the National Defense Force (TNI), highlights the military’s role in supporting government programs, including healthcare and nutrition.
“The Red and White Village Cooperatives are designed as local economic hubs. One of their functions is to provide basic healthcare through pharmacies and clinics,” Juliantoro said.
He added that the ministry will work with the Health Ministry and the National Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) to distribute the medicines. “We hope this synergy can continue and expand, in line with the spirit of togetherness and collaboration that defines cooperatives,” he said.
Juliantoro said collaboration between institutions ensures national programs deliver tangible results across the country.
Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto said the medicines are part of efforts to build a strong and healthy population, which he described as vital to national defense.
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He commended the Health Ministry and BPOM for supporting the initiative, noting that the donated medicines include Ponstal, an analgesic; Fimol, a paracetamol brand; and Cefalaf, an antibiotic.
“We will also focus on producing drugs for widespread diseases in Indonesia, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure,” Taufanto said.
He said production for 2025 is capped at 17.4 million pills, with output to be adjusted according to demand.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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