Defence Ministry Addresses Deaths of 5 SPPI Trainees, Confirms Procedures Were Followed

The Ministry of Defence has conveyed its condolences over the deaths of five participants of the 2026 Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme, who were undergoing national defence and managerial training for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programmes. Head of the Human Resources Development Agency at the Ministry of Defence, Major General TNI Ketut Gede Wetan, stated that the government extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased participants. “First of all, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, the national selection committee, and all organisers of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia programme, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of five participants of the 2026 SPPI KDKN PKNP programme who were undergoing national defence and managerial training,” said Ketut Gede Wetan during a press conference on Saturday, 27 June 2026. The statement serves as the ministry’s official explanation regarding the increasing number of SPPI participants who have died during the training series. Ketut confirmed that all the deceased participants received medical treatment in accordance with applicable procedures. According to him, each participant had different characteristics and health conditions, so their treatment was tailored to their medical needs. “The five participants had different characters and conditions. All participants received medical treatment according to procedures at unit health facilities and referral hospitals,” he said. The ministry assured that the handling process was carried out from the moment a participant experienced a condition requiring medical action until they were referred to designated health facilities. The ministry also released the names of the five deceased SPPI programme participants: Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, Anisa Muyassaroh, Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan, and Nola Dya Sari. They were all participants of the 2026 Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia programme undergoing national defence and managerial training as part of the programme’s preparation. The SPPI programme is part of the implementation of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih programmes.