Human Rights Minister Opposes Excessive Physical Training in Military-Style Programme for Cooperative Managers

The Indonesian Minister of Human Rights, Nataliendo Pigai, has responded to reports regarding the deaths of five candidates for the Red and White Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDKMP) and Red and White Fishing Village (KNMP) managers during their Basic Military Training (Latsarmil) for the Indonesia Development Driver Graduates programme.

Minister Natalius Pigai has urged the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to evaluate the Latsarmil programme. He expressed deep concern over the loss of life during activities involving civilians that utilised military-style training methods.

“I am also concerned about this incident and we offer our condolences. I suggest that the educational system be thoroughly evaluated,” Natalius Pigai told Republika on Sunday (28/06/2026).

He believes there are three aspects that need attention in this training: knowledge, skills, and mental fortitude. Pigai emphasised that strengthening mental resilience does not necessarily require military-style training.

“The third aspect (mental) does not have to involve instilling a military system, but rather focuses on discipline, responsibility, speed, accuracy, and honesty,” said the former commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights.

Pigai also reminded that the implementation of Latsarmil should avoid imposing heavy physical training on all participants. “Excessive physical training must be avoided,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Human Rights Minister supports an in-depth investigation to uncover the causes of death for the five participants. Pigai stated that his department is prepared to deploy personnel to monitor the process.

“The five deceased participants must be professionally investigated to determine the cause. I have instructed my staff to conduct field monitoring,” he added.