Eko Suwanto Mourns Five SPPI KDMP Deaths, Demands Basic Training Evaluation

Five participants of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) have died. The incident drew criticism from the Chairman of Commission A of the Yogyakarta Special Region Legislative Council (DPRD DIY), Eko Suwanto, who demanded that the basic training be evaluated. Eko also expressed his deepest condolences over the deaths of the five SPPI KDMP participants. “We express our deepest condolences on the passing of our brothers and sisters who were taking part in the KDMP Manager Basic Training. May their good deeds be accepted by God and may the bereaved families be given fortitude,” Eko said in a written statement received by detikJogja on Monday (29/6). The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) politician also requested that the training be temporarily suspended. Eko urged a comprehensive evaluation of the activity. “We ask that this activity be stopped and evaluated. Participant safety must be the primary element that is guaranteed; there must be no more fatalities,” he stated. Eko highlighted the importance of evaluating recruitment standards for participants, training methods, curriculum, instructor competence, infrastructure, and healthcare support during the training. He argued that the selection process should begin with adequate health checks, including tracing medical history. “There was a participant with a record of cardiac arrest. This must be investigated, whether a health test was conducted before the training, and whether there were health checks during the training,” he said. Eko underscored the importance of evaluating the training methods. Character-building and discipline materials, he continued, must be tailored to the needs of prospective cooperative managers without neglecting the physical condition of the participants. “Do not use football training methods for rock climbing. Training methods must be adapted to the participants’ needs. Perhaps what is more needed is the formation of discipline, management, mental models, honesty, and integrity,” he asserted. Eko reminded the organisers not to implement excessive activity patterns. He also urged law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough, open, and fair investigation into the deaths of the five participants. “Law enforcement officials must conduct an in-depth, transparent investigation and apply legal process over the deaths of five Indonesian citizens. Involve experts and practitioners who understand training standards and participant development methods,” he said. “In training standards that prioritise safety, even injury is unacceptable, let alone death. Therefore, there must be parties who are legally responsible. This is important as a correction and evaluation of government programmes,” he concluded.