Defence Ministry Explains Causes of Death for Five Cooperative Manager Trainees
The Ministry of Defence has explained the causes of death of five candidates for the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDMP) management programme during recent basic military training activities.
Deputy Minister of Defence Donny Ermawan Taufanto stated that while the causes of death for the five participants varied, his agency has reached a conclusion regarding the contributing factors.
“First, due to exhaustion, followed by changes in lifestyle,” Donny said at the DPR, MPR, and DPD Complex on Wednesday, 1 July 2026.
According to Donny, the change in lifestyle played a significant role in the incident. He noted that participants, who lead civilian lives daily, suddenly had to adapt to the rigours of life in military barracks.
It is this disciplined military lifestyle that is suspected of triggering the deaths, as participants were unprepared for such a sudden adaptation. “Additionally, weather factors were involved,” Donny added.
Another cause, according to Donny, was pre-existing medical conditions. During the selection process, the Ministry of Defence had conducted health assessments, which initially showed results within safe limits.
He continued, stating that a third cause related to lung disease. Donny noted that of the five deceased participants, two had pre-existing lung conditions.
“This is what led to these specific cases. However, the incident may have been caused by the aforementioned changes in lifestyle or weather, which ultimately led to the deaths of participants whose health conditions were already compromised,” said Donny.
The five participants who passed away during the basic military training were Nola Dya Sari, Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, Anisa Muyassaroh, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, and Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan.
Nola Dya Sari, who was training at the Kalimantan National Defence Education Unit, passed away on 26 June 2026 after complaining of shortness of breath and fever.
On the same day, Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan, a participant at the 465 Commando Battalion (Yonko) Education Unit in East Jakarta, also died after experiencing similar symptoms.
Furthermore, Novita, who was undergoing training at the Air Force Command Centre for Doctrine, Education, and Training in Jakarta, died on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, due to heatstroke while training at the Mulawarman Military Regional Command Main Regiment Education Unit in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan.
Yonanda was declared dead due to cardiac arrest on 17 June 2026. He was recorded as participating in training at the Army Combat Training Centre Education Unit in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra.