Three SPPI Participants Die During Military Training, House Commission I Demands Evaluation
House Commission I Deputy Chairman Anton Sukartono Suratto has expressed condolences over the deaths of three members of the Sarjana Penggerak Pembangun Indonesia (SPPI) programme for the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih (Kopdes) and Koperasi Nelayan Merah Putih (KNPM) schemes during basic military training. Anton urged an evaluation covering everything from the administrative stage to health checks.
“An evaluation is needed from the administrative requirements inspection stage through to the implementation of the training. Firstly, health checks for civilian participants must be tightened; they cannot merely fulfil a formality,” Anton told journalists on Friday (26/6/2026).
Anton said the participants’ intention to undergo training to improve leadership skills was a spirit that deserved respect. However, the incident must serve as a comprehensive evaluation point for the organisers.
As a leader of House Commission I, Anton understands that the character-building and national defence programme has positive objectives. Yet, he said, the training must prioritise the safety of citizens.
“However, the incident that befell the three participants must serve as a reminder that the safety of citizens’ lives is the highest priority and cannot be compromised,” he stated.
Anton further requested that the training be evaluated from the initial recruitment stage through to its execution. He argued that health checks for civilian participants must be tightened and not merely satisfy administrative requirements.
“A health check is no longer just about having a medical certificate, but must genuinely involve a detailed medical examination at a hospital, such as a comprehensive medical check-up covering heart function, blood pressure, and any history of congenital diseases before they are permitted to undergo physical training,” he explained.
The Democratic Party politician assessed that only participants who are truly healthy and medically fit should be allowed to take part in strenuous physical training.
Additionally, Anton also requested that the training curriculum and modules be adapted to the characteristics of civilian participants. He considered that the training material needs to take into account the limits of participants’ physical abilities and environmental conditions, including extreme weather.
“The training module should reduce physical and outdoor activities and focus more on indoor activities that build discipline, leadership, and managerial skills,” he said.
Anton also highlighted the importance of tightening medical procedures during the training. He demanded that the availability of doctors, ambulances, and cooperation with the nearest health facilities be ensured to run optimally.
“I hope this incident can be handled and investigated as thoroughly as possible according to applicable procedures. Commission I will continue to oversee this process until it is complete and ensure that system improvements are genuinely implemented to perfect this programme going forward,” he concluded.
One member of the SPPI programme for prospective KNPM managers was reported to have died while attending basic military training. This case brings the number of prospective managers of the Koperasi Desa Merah Putih and KNMP who have died during military training to three people.
“It is true, the Ministry of Defence has received a report regarding the death of one of the participants of the 2026 SPPI KNMP Programme, named Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, who was undergoing education at the Satdik Pusbahasa Kodiklatau Jakarta. The Ministry of Defence expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased,” said the Head of the Defence Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defence Secretariat General, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, as reported by Antara on Wednesday (24/6).