Defence Ministry confirms death of prospective KNMP manager during basic military training
Based on medical examination results, the health condition was related to Tuberculosis (TB).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has confirmed the death of a member of the Indonesian Builder Driver Undergraduate Programme (SPPI), a candidate for the management of the Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative (KNMP), while undergoing military basic training (latsarmil).
“It is true, the Ministry of Defence has received a report regarding the death of one of the participants of the 2/2026 SPPI KNMP Programme, named Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who was undergoing education at the Satdik Pusbahasa Kodiklatau Jakarta. The Ministry of Defence expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, in a statement received by ANTARA in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Novia’s death adds to the number of casualties after two others were previously declared dead during military basic training.
Due to her declining health, Novia was rushed to the Dr. Esnawan Antariksa Air Force Hospital to receive medical services.
Despite receiving intensive medical treatment, Novia’s condition continued to deteriorate until she was eventually declared dead on Tuesday (23/6).
“Based on the results of the medical examination, the health condition experienced was related to Tuberculosis (TB),” said Rico.
Rico added that all latsarmil participants, including Novia, had undergone health tests to ensure physical readiness before undergoing training.
Nevertheless, Rico ensured that his party will continue to evaluate the military basic training system to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
“Currently, the Ministry of Defence, together with the National Selection Committee and the education organisers, is continuously conducting evaluations and strengthening health monitoring of participants to ensure that the safety and health of participants remains the top priority in the implementation of the programme,” Rico explained.
Previously, two participants of the SPPI Programme, who were being prepared to manage the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Villages (KNMP), died while participating in latsarmil.
The two participants were named Anisa Muyassaroh and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq.
Heat stroke is an emergency condition caused by exposure to extreme heat, where the body’s core temperature rises drastically to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius and the body’s temperature regulation system fails to function.
Meanwhile, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq passed away while participating in training at the Satdik Pusat Latihan Tempur (Puslatpur) Kodiklatad Baturaja.
According to Rico, Yonanda experienced a decline in physical condition on 17 June 2026 and was subsequently referred to a hospital for medical treatment.
“Based on medical reports, the individual was declared dead due to ‘cardiac arrest’,” he said.