House Commission I Urges Evaluation of Military Training After Three SPPI Participants Die

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Commission I, Dave Laksono, has urged an evaluation and improvement of basic military training (latsarmil) after three participants of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangunan Indonesia (SPPI) programme died during the course. Speaking at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on Thursday, Laksono stated that any necessary corrections or changes should be accepted to refine the programme so that it can properly serve the interests of the nation and society. He also expressed his condolences over the deaths. Laksono noted that the SPPI programme for prospective managers of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDMP) and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Villages (KNMP) was preceded by health assessments for all participants. Nevertheless, he stressed that an evaluation is still required for future improvement. ‘This training is very basic. However, it must be designed for individuals with specific physical conditions. This should serve as input for continuous improvement and refinement going forward,’ he said. The Ministry of Defence had previously confirmed on Tuesday (23/6) that two SPPI participants died during latsarmil. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau, identified the deceased as Anisa Muyassaroh, who died from heat stroke during training at Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman in Balikpapan, and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, who died after his physical condition deteriorated at Puslatpur Kodiklatad in Baturaja on Monday (15/6) and was declared dead due to cardiac arrest following medical treatment. Sirait stated that all participants had undergone health checks before being deemed fit for training, but the ministry would evaluate the programme’s implementation to ensure participant safety. A day later, on Wednesday (24/6), the ministry confirmed a third death, that of Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, a participant in the 2026 KNMP programme undergoing education at Satdik Pusbahasa Kodiklatau in Jakarta. Sirait explained that Novia experienced health problems during latsarmil on Monday (22/6) and was rushed to Dr. Esnawan Antariksa Air Force Hospital for medical treatment, but her condition continued to deteriorate until she was pronounced dead on Tuesday (23/6).