PKS Politician Proposes Moratorium on Military Training for Kopdes Merah Putih Manager Candidates

Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Mulyanto has proposed a moratorium, or temporary suspension, of basic military training activities for prospective managers of the Village/Sub-district Merah Putih Cooperatives (Kopdes Merah Putih) and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Village Cooperatives. The proposal was made after the training, organised by the Ministry of Defence, resulted in the deaths of four Kopdes Merah Putih and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative manager candidates during the programme. “I urge a moratorium and a comprehensive evaluation of this activity,” Mulyanto said via WhatsApp message on Saturday, 27 June 2026. He explained that the moratorium should be considered by the government to prevent further casualties, while also aligning with the government’s ongoing budget efficiency policies. Mulyanto stressed that he does not outright reject the military training activities intended to bolster the mental resilience and discipline of prospective Kopdes and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative managers. However, he argued that the training should not be generalised to match that given to TNI soldiers. He requested that the training be conducted in a friendly manner and with comprehensive health assessments. “In my view, this has been excessive, with four people recorded dead. Therefore, I urge a moratorium first so that the evaluation can proceed optimally,” said the member of the MPR’s Constitutional Studies Commission. The four deceased Kopdes and Merah Putih Fishermen’s Cooperative manager candidates were identified as Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, Anisa Muyassaroh, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, and Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan. Novia attended training at the Indonesian Air Force Doctrine Development, Education, and Training Command Language Centre in Jakarta. She died on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, the sixth day after training commenced on 17 June 2026. Anisa died a day later, on 18 June 2026, from heat stroke while attending military training at the Mulawarman Regional Military Command Main Regiment Education Unit in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Yonanda was pronounced dead due to cardiac arrest on 17 June 2026. He was recorded as attending training at the Indonesian Army Combat Training Centre Education Unit in Baturaja City, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatra. Meanwhile, Rifki attended training at the 465 Para Commando Battalion Education Unit in East Jakarta. Before passing away, Rifki complained of experiencing shortness of breath.