Defence Ministry Reveals Why Red and White Cooperative Managers Must Undergo Basic Military Training

The Ministry of Defence has explained the reasons why prospective managers of the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDKMP) and the Red and White Fishermen Cooperative (KNMP) are required to undergo basic military training. According to the Head of the Human Resources Development Agency at the Ministry of Defence, Major General TNI Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia, the training is implemented to ensure that future managers possess a high level of discipline and the ability to work under pressure. “This state defence and managerial training is directed at shaping character, discipline, leadership, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and a spirit of service to the community,” Ketut said during a press conference at the Ministry of Defence office in Central Jakarta on Saturday. He explained that these various skills must be possessed by prospective KDKMP and KNMP managers because they will eventually manage the circulation of public funds through the cooperatives. With strong leadership and professionalism, he said, the cooperatives they lead are expected to become a determining factor in the strength of 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 training during the programme, Ketut stressed that this is not intended to turn the cooperative managers into soldiers. “The emphasis is not on physical ability, but on the formation of mentality, character, responsibility, fighting spirit, teamwork, and problem-solving skills,” Ketut stated. Concerning a participant who died during the training, he acknowledged that a thorough evaluation will be conducted. The Ministry of Defence has assured that it will take preventive measures to ensure the training material is adjusted to the conditions of each participant.