House Commission I Calls for Evaluation of Military Training After Three Participants Die

Wakil Ketua Komisi I DPR RI Dave Laksono has called for an evaluation and improvement of basic military training (latsarmil) after three participants of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme died. The participants were undergoing training to become managers of the Merah Putih Village Cooperatives (KDMP) and Merah Putih Fishing Villages (KNMP) at Indonesian Military (TNI) facilities. “If there are things that need to be fixed or changed, that input must be accepted to perfect the programme so that this initiative for the benefit of the nation and society can truly run well,” Dave said at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Thursday. He also expressed his condolences over the deaths. According to Dave, the implementation of the SPPI programme for prospective cooperative and fishing village managers was preceded by health assessments for the participants. Nevertheless, he believes an evaluation is still necessary as material for future improvements. “This training is very basic. However, it must be designed for individuals with specific physical conditions. This should serve as input so that it can be continuously improved and perfected going forward,” Dave said. The Ministry of Defence had previously confirmed on Tuesday that two participants had died during the training. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, stated that Anisa Muyassaroh, who was undergoing education at the Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman Training Unit in Balikpapan, died from heat stroke. Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, who was training at the Kodiklatad Battle Training Centre in Baturaja, died after experiencing a decline in physical condition on Monday and receiving hospital treatment. Medical examination results indicated he died from cardiac arrest. Rico explained that all participants had undergone health checks before being declared fit for basic military training. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Defence will evaluate the training implementation to ensure participants can undergo the programme safely. A day later, the ministry confirmed a third death, that of Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, a participant in the 2026 KNMP programme undergoing education at the Kodiklatau Language Centre in Jakarta. Rico said Novia experienced health problems during training on Monday and was taken to Dr. Esnawan Antariksa Air Force Hospital for medical treatment. However, her condition continued to deteriorate until she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.