Death Toll in SPPI Kopdes-KNMP Military Training Rises to Three
The death toll in the military basic training (latsarmil) for the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangun Indonesia (SPPI) Kopdes-KNMP programme has risen to three, following the passing of participant Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang. Novia died on Tuesday (23/6/2026) after experiencing health problems during the training. According to the Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence’s Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, her condition was linked to tuberculosis (TB).
“It is true, the Ministry of Defence has received a report regarding the death of a participant in the 2026 SPPI KNMP Programme named Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who was undergoing training at the Kodiklatau Language Centre Education Unit in Jakarta. The Ministry of Defence extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” Rico stated on Wednesday (24/6/2026).
Novia reportedly began feeling unwell on Monday (22/6). As her condition deteriorated, she was rushed to the Air Force Hospital Dr. Esnawan Antariksa for medical treatment. Despite receiving intensive care, her condition continued to decline until she was pronounced dead on Tuesday (23/6). “Based on the results of medical examinations, her health condition was related to Tuberculosis (TB),” Rico said.
Prior to Novia, two other participants in the programme—designed to prepare managers for the Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) and Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP)—also died during the training. The first, Anisa Muyassaroh, died from heat stroke while attending training at the Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman Education Unit in Balikpapan. Heat stroke is an emergency condition caused by extreme heat exposure, where the core body temperature rises drastically to or above 40 degrees Celsius and the body’s temperature regulation system fails.
The second, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, died while training at the Puslatpur Kodiklatad Baturaja Education Unit. According to Rico, Yonanda experienced a decline in physical condition on 17 June 2026 and was referred to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest.
Rico noted that all participants, including Novia, had undergone health tests to ensure their physical readiness before joining the training. He added that medical treatment was provided in accordance with applicable standards for participants who fell ill during the programme. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that an evaluation of the military training system is being conducted to ensure the safety and security of all participants. “Currently, the Ministry of Defence, together with the National Selection Committee and training organisers, is continuing to evaluate and strengthen health supervision for participants to ensure their safety and health remain the top priority in the implementation of the programme,” Rico explained.