DPR Urges Managerial Focus in SPPI Military Training After Three Deaths

A member of Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Rahmat Saleh, has requested that the evaluation of the basic military training (latsarmil) for the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangun Indonesia (SPPI) programme extend beyond health supervision. He urged a review of the design and relevance of the training provided to prospective managers of the Koperasi Merah Putih (KDMP).

The call follows the deaths of three participants during the training. The most recent fatality was Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who died on Tuesday (23/6) after experiencing health problems during the programme. Before Novia, two other participants, Anisa Muyassaroh and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, also died. Anisa died from heat stroke at a training unit in Balikpapan, whilst Yonanda died from cardiac arrest at a combat training centre in Baturaja.

Rahmat Saleh is pushing the government to conduct an in-depth study on the effectiveness and necessity of implementing military-style training for civilian cooperative manager candidates. "We certainly understand the spirit of building discipline, integrity, and a sense of dedication. However, it needs to be evaluated objectively whether the current form of training is the most relevant to the needs of prospective cooperative managers who will carry out managerial, business, organisational governance, and village business development tasks," the PKS politician said.

Rahmat assessed that training for prospective managers should be directed more towards strengthening the technical and managerial capacities required for KDMP operations in the field. He stated the main focus must be ensuring these managers are truly ready to manage cooperatives professionally. "They must master aspects of management, financial governance, business development, digitalisation, and village community empowerment. The training system must be optimal to support these needs," he added.

Rahmat stressed that the participants come from civilian backgrounds with diverse experiences, so the training approach needs to be adjusted. "These KDMP manager candidates are not military soldiers. They are civilians being prepared to become village economic drivers. Therefore, adjustments in methods, intensity, and training standards are necessary to remain relevant, proportional, safe, and in accordance with the demands of the tasks they will undertake," he asserted.

The Ministry of Defence is currently conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of the basic military training for prospective KDMP managers.