Defence Ministry Evaluates Basic Military Training After Two SPPI Participants Die
The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) is conducting a thorough evaluation of the implementation of basic military training (latsarmil) after two participants of the Indonesian Development Driver Undergraduate Programme (SPPI) passed away while undergoing education.
“The Ministry of Defence, together with the National Selection Committee and the education organisers, is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the programme’s implementation,” stated Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, in a statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday.
According to Rico, the evaluation is being carried out to identify various aspects that need improvement to enhance the safety and quality of the basic military training programme.
“We will evaluate the health selection mechanism, medical supervision, the handling of participants with special health conditions, as well as the communication and reporting systems,” he said.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Defence is open to various inputs and criticisms to achieve better implementation of the basic military training.
Previously, two SPPI participants, who were being prepared to manage the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) and Merah Putih Fishing Villages (KNMP), died while participating in the training.
The two participants were identified as Anisa Muyassaroh and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq.
Rico explained that Anisa Muyassaroh died due to heatstroke while undergoing training at the Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman Education Unit in Balikpapan.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency caused by exposure to extreme heat, where the body’s core temperature rises drastically to 40 degrees Celsius or higher, causing the body’s temperature regulation system to fail.
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.