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Reuters

Reuters

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World

Analysis-Indonesia's new leader expands military's role in test of fragile democracy

Reuters
Summary
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President Prabowo Subianto is causing unease among liberals and others by increasingly turning to the military to carry out his governing vision.

Just three months into office after sweeping to a landslide election victory last year , he has quickly expanded the armed forces' roles in several public areas.

Critics say his early actions are a worrying sign of his tendency to replace civilian functions with the military, raising comparisons to a Suharto-era doctrine.

Prabowo has declared extension of a third small military civil-works initiative.

Army chief Simanjuntak said that turning to soldiers to help run large programmes is effective, as the army follows a strong chain of command, adding that rules are in place to prevent military repression.

Some former military men have concerns about the president's instinct to turn to the armed forces.