Eko Suwanto Mourns Five SPPI KDMP Deaths, Demands Basic Training Evaluation
Five participants of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme, under the Merah Putih Village Cooperative (KDMP) and Merah Putih Fishermen Cooperative (KNMP) initiatives, have passed away. The incident has drawn scrutiny from the Chairman of Commission A of the DIY Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DIY), Eko Suwanto, who has demanded that the basic training (latsar) undergo a thorough evaluation.
Eko expressed profound condolences regarding the deaths of the five SPPI KDMP participants. “We express our deepest condolences for the passing of our brothers participating in the KDMP Manager Basic Training. May their good deeds be accepted by God and may the families left behind be granted fortitude,” EMB said in a written statement received on Monday (29/6).
The PDIP politician has requested that the training be temporarily suspended, urging a comprehensive review of the activities. “We request that this activity be halted and evaluated. Participant safety must be the primary element ensured; we must not allow any more fatalities,” he stated.
Eko highlighted the importance of evaluating recruitment standards, training methods, curriculum, instructor competence, infrastructure, and the availability of healthcare services during the training period. He argued that the selection process should begin with adequate medical examinations, including a thorough review of medical histories.
“There was a participant with a history of cardiac arrest. This must be investigated—whether health tests were conducted before the training and whether medical check-ups were provided during the training period,” he noted.
Eko underscored the necessity of evaluating training methodologies. He added that character-building and discipline materials should be tailored to the needs of prospective cooperative managers without disregarding the physical condition of the participants. “The training method used for football should not be applied to rock climbing. Training methods must be adjusted to the participants’ needs. What is perhaps more needed is the development of discipline, management, mental models, honesty, and integrity,” he asserted.
Eko reminded organisers not to implement excessive activity patterns. He also called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, transparent, and fair investigation into the deaths of the five participants.
“Law enforcement must conduct a deep, transparent investigation and apply the legal process regarding the deaths of these five Indonesian citizens. Involve experts and practitioners who understand training standards and participant development methods,” he said.
“In training standards that prioritise safety, even an injury should not occur, let alone a death. Therefore, there must be a party held legally responsible. This is essential as a correction and evaluation for government programmes,” he concluded.