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

The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has finally revealed the reason prospective managers of the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDKMP) and the Red and White Fishermen’s Cooperative (KNMP) must undergo basic military training (latsarmil). According to the Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) at the Ministry of Defence, Major General TNI Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia, the training is implemented to ensure prospective managers possess a high level of discipline and resilience when working under pressure. “This state defence and managerial training is directed at shaping character, discipline, leadership, integrity, cooperation, responsibility, professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and a spirit of service to the community,” Ketut said at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Saturday (27/6), as quoted by Antara. He explained that these various capabilities must be possessed by prospective KDKMP and KNMP managers because they will eventually manage the circulation of public money through the cooperatives. According to him, 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 part of national resilience. Therefore, the formation of cooperative managers who have character, integrity, discipline, and a leadership spirit is an important part,” he said. Regarding the many physical activities and semi-military drills during the basic military training, Ketut stressed that this was not done to turn the cooperative managers into soldiers. “The emphasis is not on physical ability, but on mental formation, character, responsibility, fighting spirit, cooperation, and problem-solving skills,” said Ketut. Concerning the participant who died during the training activities, he admitted that a thorough evaluation would be conducted. The Ministry of Defence confirmed it will take preventive measures to ensure the training material is adjusted to the condition of each participant.