House Member Calls for Military Basic Training Evaluation After Two Deaths

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), TB Hasanuddin, has requested the government to evaluate basic military training (latsarmil) following the deaths of two participants in the Indonesia Development Driver Undergraduate (SPPI) programme for the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDMP) and Merah Putih Fishing Village (KNMP).

Met at the DPR Building, Jakarta, on Wednesday, the defence-focused legislator requested that the health of prospective participants be checked before undergoing military training. This is to ensure that participants are in good condition and prepared to undergo the training.

“The causes were illness and heatstroke. In my view, an evaluation is necessary, especially since those intending to join such training must have their health thoroughly checked so they are prepared to carry out physical activities even in hot conditions,” he said.

According to TB Hasanuddin, basic military training is a good programme for preparing prospective managers for KDMP and KNMP. Therefore, he believes improvements are needed in the future, including evaluating the materials provided to participants.

“If it is to be stopped, I believe the objective is good—to train them to become managers in a village cooperative. Perhaps only the material should change. Military elements in a strictly military context, such as shooting practice and marching in the heat, should be reduced. It would be better to provide training on cooperative management,” he remarked.

It is reported that the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan) has confirmed that two participants of the SPPI KDMP and KNMP programme, Anisa Muyassaroh and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, passed away while undergoing basic military training.

The Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated on Tuesday (23/6) that Anisa, who was undergoing education at Satdik Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman Balikpapan, was declared dead due to heatstroke.

Meanwhile, Yonanda passed away while undergoing education at Satdik Puslatpur Kodiklatad Baturaja, after experiencing a decline in physical condition on Monday (15/6) and being referred to a hospital. Based on medical examinations, Yonanda was declared dead due to cardiac arrest.

According to Rico, all participants had undergone health examinations before being declared fit to participate in the military training. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence stated that it will continue to evaluate the education programme to ensure participants can undertake the curriculum safely and comfortably.

On the other hand, he ensured that the Ministry of Defence will provide full attention to the families of Anisa and Yonanda.

“The Ministry of Defence, together with the TNI, has provided assistance to the families of both participants and is ensuring that the entire handling process is carried out in accordance with applicable procedures,” said Rico.