Jakarta, Oct. 1 -- Indonesia's Cooperatives Ministry said on Wednesday that 17.4 million pills handed over by the Defense Ministry will be distributed to Red and White Village Cooperatives to help expand access to healthcare.

Deputy Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantoro said the handover, which coincides with the 78th 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...