Safety of SPPI basic military training participants must be a priority

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Amelia Anggraini, has emphasised that the safety of Sarjana Penggerak Pembangun Indonesia (SPPI) participants undergoing basic military training (latsarmil) must be the top priority, following the deaths of three programme participants.

According to her, basic military training holds strategic value in shaping the character, leadership, and discipline of participants. However, its implementation must be supported by strict safety standards without compromising the programme’s primary objectives.

“I am of the opinion that this programme should continue, but with stricter safety standards, more professional supervision, and evidence-based evaluation,” Amelia stated in Jakarta on Thursday.

Amelia also expressed her condolences regarding the deaths of the three participants involved in the SPPI Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNMP) programmes.

Furthermore, Amelia noted that training for prospective development programme managers aims not only to build physical capability but also to instil discipline, leadership, integrity, mental resilience, teamwork, and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

“These competencies are highly relevant for managers who will eventually lead the implementation of development programmes in the field,” she said.

Consequently, she expressed her hope that such incidents would not recur.

“A good programme is not measured by the presence or absence of challenges, but by the organisers’ ability to learn from every incident and ensure that similar events do not happen again,” she added.