Defence Ministry Reveals Why 30,000 Prospective Red-and-White Cooperative Managers Undergo 45-Day Military Training
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that prospective managers of the Red-and-White Village Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) and Red-and-White Fishermen’s Cooperatives (KNMP) will undergo basic military training for the Reserve Component (Komcad) at 67 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) units across Indonesia. “The training lasts 45 days and is conducted at 67 training units spread throughout the country,” said Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence’s Secretariat General, in Jakarta on Thursday. Rico explained that the 67 selected TNI units were deemed capable of providing military training to civilians, including the Air Force’s Wingdik 500 in Bogor and the Navy’s Pasmar I in Cilandak. He stated that during the 45-day programme, participants will receive specific materials related to discipline. “Through the Reserve Component basic military training, participants are equipped with knowledge and values of discipline, leadership, teamwork, integrity, a spirit of service, and a strong work ethic,” Rico said. He assessed that these materials are essential to strengthen the leadership spirit, discipline, and national insight of the participants in carrying out their duties at KDMP and KNMP. In addition, participants will receive managerial training and sector-specific competencies developed jointly with relevant technical ministries. “Participants will also undergo basic military training as provided to Reserve Component members in general,” Rico added. The entire training series is a prerequisite before participants assume their duties at KDMP and KNMP. Rico stated that the number of participants in the programme totals 35,476 people, comprising 30,000 prospective KDMP managers and 5,476 prospective KNMP managers. He expressed hope that the training would enhance the discipline, spirit of service, and capabilities of the cooperative managers in performing their duties.