Five Kopdes Merah Putih Manager Candidates Die During Training, Defence Ministry Provides Rp50 Million Compensation

The Ministry of Defence has taken follow-up action following the deaths of five participants in the 2026 Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme, who were undergoing state defence and managerial training for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (KDMP) and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programmes. In addition to handling the entire repatriation and funeral process, the government is also providing compensation of Rp50 million to each of the victims’ families. Head of the Human Resources Development Agency at the Ministry of Defence, Major General TNI Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia, stressed that the compensation is part of the state’s responsibility as the programme organiser. “We, as the organiser, particularly as representatives of the state, are providing compensation of Rp50 million per person,” he said on Saturday, 27 June 2026. Ketut explained that the government’s accountability extends beyond financial compensation. The state is also managing all needs of the deceased participants, from the repatriation of remains to the burial, including providing support to the bereaved families. “With these five victims, I once again offer my deepest condolences. We are also assisting with the process, starting from the funeral, and including the compensation given to the families concerned,” he said. According to him, coordination with the victims’ families is ongoing to ensure all handling processes proceed smoothly. Meanwhile, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that his party will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of every incident occurring during the SPPI programme. “We at the Ministry of Defence always hope that all activities can run well, and we are committed to carrying out evaluations of every event or incident that has previously occurred,” said Rico. Rico expressed hope that the public will continue to support the SPPI programme, which is part of the government’s effort to develop human resources with character and leadership spirit to support national development. “The SPPI programme is part of the government’s effort to prepare human resources who have character, integrity, and leadership spirit to support national development through the Koperasi Desa Kelurahan Merah Putih and Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih,” he said.