Another Prospective Fishermen's Cooperative Manager Dies During Military Training

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of another member of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangun Indonesia (SPPI) programme, a prospective manager for the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative (KNMP), during basic military training. Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry’s Secretariat General, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that the ministry had received a report regarding the death of participant Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who was undergoing education at the Kodiklatau Language Centre Education Unit in Jakarta. The ministry conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

Novia’s death adds to the list of casualties, following two previous fatalities during the military training programme. Rico explained that Novia experienced health problems during the training on Monday, 22 June 2026. Due to her deteriorating condition, she was rushed to the Air Force Hospital Dr. Esnawan Antariksa for medical care. Despite receiving intensive medical treatment, her condition continued to decline until she was pronounced dead on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. According to the medical examination, the health condition she suffered was related to Tuberculosis (TB).

Rico added that all training participants, including Novia, had undergone health tests to ensure physical readiness before commencing the education. The authorities also provided medical treatment in accordance with applicable standards for participants who fell ill during the training period. Nevertheless, Rico assured that the ministry would continue to evaluate the military training education system to ensure the security and safety of participants. The Ministry of Defence, together with the National Selection Committee and education providers, is currently evaluating and strengthening health supervision to ensure that participant safety and health remain the top priority in the programme’s implementation.