Defence Ministry Stresses SPPI Training Differs from Military Education
The Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has stated that the training provided to participants of the Indonesian Development Driver Bachelor (SPPI) programme—under the Red and White Village Cooperative (KDMP) and Red and White Fishermen Cooperative (KNMP) initiatives—is not the same as training for soldiers. The training has been designed to be measurable and appropriate for the participants’ backgrounds.
“The implementation of this state defence and managerial training is structured measurably, taking into account the participants’ backgrounds as civilians. This activity is not equated with military or soldier education,” said the Head of BPSDM Kemhan, Major General Ketut Gede Wetan, during a press conference at the Ministry of Defence Office in Central Jakarta on Saturday (27/6/2026).
Ketut explained that the training for SPPI participants does not emphasise physical prowess, but rather focuses on mental character and problem-solving skills.
“The emphasis is not on physical ability, but on the formation of mental strength, character, responsibility, resilience, cooperation, and problem-solving abilities,” Ketut said.
He noted that the training focuses on state defence and instilling discipline. Any physical activities conducted have been measured to ensure they are not overly strenuous.
“This training or education process is phased. The first stage involves instilling discipline and nation-building through state defence. The physical activities currently being conducted include gymnastics, walking, marching drills (PBB), and PPM. There are no heavy physical activities involved at this stage,” Ketut explained.
He mentioned that the training process is carried out in stages, levels, and a continuous manner. Following the discipline and state defence training, participants will receive managerial briefings from the Ministry of Cooperatives and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.
“The managerial training occurs in parallel; the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperative material is led by the Ministry of Cooperatives, while the Red and White Fishermen Cooperative management is led by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Thus, it is a continuous and sustainable process,” he added.
5 Participants Deceased
Previously, the Ministry of Defence expressed its condolences regarding the deaths of several Indonesian Development Driver Bachelor (SPPI) participants in the KDMP and KNMP programmes. A total of five SPPI participants have passed away.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, the national selection committee, and all organisers of the SPPI programme, we express our deepest condolences on the passing of five participants of the 2026 SPPI KDKN PKNP programme who were undergoing state defence and managerial training,” said the Head of BPSDM Kemhan, Major General Ketut Gede Wetan, during the press conference on Saturday (27/6).
Ketut expressed profound sympathy, stating that all participants had received medical treatment according to standard procedures.
“These five participants had different characters and conditions; all participants received medical treatment according to procedure at unit health facilities and referral hospitals,” he said.
The names of the deceased SPPI participants are:
Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq
Anisa Muyassaroh
Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang
Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan
Nola Dya Sari