SPPI KNMP Participant Dies During Basic Military Training, Defence Ministry Evaluates Health Supervision
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, a participant in the 2026 Indonesia Builder Driver Undergraduate Programme (SPPI KNMP), during military basic training at Satdik Pusbahasa Kodiklatau, Jakarta. Novia was pronounced dead on Tuesday (23/6) after receiving medical treatment for health complications.
“It is true that the Ministry of Defence has received a report regarding the death of one SPPI KNMP 2026 programme participant, Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who was undergoing training at Satdik Pusbahasa Kodiklatau Jakarta. The Ministry of Defence expresses its deepest condolences to the family,” stated Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Rico noted that Novia experienced health issues during her military training on Monday (22/6). As her condition deteriorated, she was rushed to the Dr Esnawan Antariksa Air Force Hospital for medical services. Despite receiving intensive care, her condition continued to decline until she passed away on Tuesday (2nd June).
“Based on medical examination results, the health condition was related to Tuberculosis (TB),” Rico said.
According to Rico, all training participants, including Novia, had undergone health screenings to ensure physical readiness before commencing the programme. The Ministry of Defence also stated that medical handling was conducted according to standard procedures for participants who fell ill during the training period.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Defence has ensured that an evaluation of the military basic training education system will be conducted to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
“Currently, the Ministry of Defence, together with the National Selection Committee and the training organisers, is conducting evaluations and strengthening health supervision of participants to ensure that participant safety and health remain the top priority in the implementation of the programme,” Rico explained.
Novia’s death adds to the list of SPPI participants who have died during military basic training. Previously, two other SPPI participants, who were being prepared to manage the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives and Merah Putih Fishing Villages, also passed away. These participants were Anisa Muyassaroh and Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq.
Rico explained that Anisa died due to heatstroke while undergoing training at Satdik Dodikjur Rindam VI/Mulawarman, Balikpapan. Meanwhile, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq died during training at the Satdik Combat Training Centre Kodiklatad Baturaja. He reportedly experienced a decline in physical condition on 17 June 2026 and was referred to a hospital for medical treatment.
“Based on medical reports, the individual was declared dead due to cardiac arrest,” said Rico.