Defence Ministry Finally Reveals Why Prospective KDMP Managers Must Undergo Basic Military Training

The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has finally revealed the reasons why candidates for managers of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP) and the Merah Putih Fishermen Cooperatives (KNMP) are required to undergo basic military training (latsarmil).

According to the Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of the Ministry of Defence, Major General TNI Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia, the military training is implemented so that prospective managers possess high discipline and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

“This national defence and managerial training is directed towards forming character, discipline, leadership, integrity, cooperation, responsibility, professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and a spirit of service to the community,” said Ketut at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta.

He explained that these various skills are essential for KDKMP and KNMP manager candidates, as they will eventually be responsible for managing the circulation of public funds through the cooperatives.

In his view, with strong leadership and professionalism, the cooperatives they lead are expected to become a determining factor in strengthening the people’s economy in rural areas.

“A strong people’s economy is a part of national resilience. Therefore, the formation of cooperative managers who are characterised by integrity, discipline, and leadership is a vital component,” he added.

Regarding the various physical activities and semi-military training involved in the programme, Ketut emphasised that the objective is not to turn cooperative managers into soldiers.

“The emphasis is not on physical ability, but rather on the formation of mental strength, character, responsibility, resilience, cooperation, and problem-solving skills,” Ketut stated.

Addressing reports of participants passing away during training activities, he admitted that a thorough evaluation would be conducted. The Ministry of Defence has assured that preventative measures will be taken to ensure that training materials are adjusted to the specific condition of each participant.