Marine Private Zalendra Ferdika Dies During Elite Maritime Terrorism Response Training

Jakarta, VIVA – Grief envelops the ranks of the Marine Corps of the Indonesian Navy. A young Marine Private named Zalendra Ferdika died while undergoing elite education in Penanggulangan Teror Aspek Laut (PTAL). The incident occurred on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, while the late servicemember was undertaking a series of exercises in the PTAL Angkatan XVIII training programme. The news of the soldier’s death was confirmed directly by the Head of the Information Division of the Navy’s Training and Doctrine Education and Training Command (Kodiklatal), Colonel Marines Nikodemus Balla.

“TNI AL expresses its deepest condolences for the death of Pratu Mar Zalendra Ferdika, the best TNI-AL soldier who was undertaking training within the Penanggulangan Teror Aspek Laut Angkatan XVIII programme on Wednesday, 20 May 2026,” he said, quoted on Saturday, 23 May 2026.

The incident triggered a rapid response from the related units within the TNI-AL. Evacuation and subsequent handling steps were carried out promptly after the incident.

Moreover, the TNI-AL also ensured that the family of the late serviceman received full support, from repatriation of the body to processing the deceased’s official entitlements as an active-duty soldier.

“Currently the TNI-AL has also implemented the guardianship process for the victim’s family, repatriation of the body, and processing of personnel entitlements in accordance with applicable regulations,” he said.

According to Nikodemus, the institution’s main focus now is to provide a proper final tribute to the late serviceman while ensuring all family rights are fulfilled quickly and openly.

“And to guarantee the fulfillment of all the deceased’s official entitlements quickly and transparently,” he added.

In the midst of mourning, the TNI-AL also invites the public to show empathy and respect the privacy of the grieving family. The public is also asked not to disseminate documentation or information that has not been confirmed.

“Let us give the best honour to the deceased and provide space for the family that is mourning,” he said.