Jakarta - Calls are mounting for a full investigation after five participants in a training program for prospective cooperative managers of the government-set Red-White Village and Urban Village Cooperative (KDKMP) and Red-White Fishermen Village (KNMP) died during basic military drills, prompting questions over safety and policy design.
Ida Nurlaela Wiradinata, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission VI that oversees trade, industry and cooperatives, said the government must move quickly to ensure transparency and accountability, particularly as the program that civilians are involved, preparing for roles in community-based economic institutions.
“We call on the government to carry out an independent and open investigation to determine the cause of these deaths in an objective and accountable manner,” she said on Monda, 29 June 2026 at the Parliament Building in Jakarta.
The victims had been taking part in Latsarmil, or basic military training, as part of a program designed to prepare managers for village cooperatives.
While the initiative is intended to strengthen grassroots economic development, Ida questioned whether a military-style approach is appropriate for participants whose responsibilities centre on business management and community empowerment.
“Cooperatives are meant to strengthen the people’s economy, not to put lives at risk. When fatalities occur in a state programme, what is needed is not justification, but a comprehensive evaluation and clear accountability,” she said.
She went on to stress that successful cooperatives rely on public trust, professionalism and financial transparency — not rigid or militaristic methods.
Ida also warned against policy approaches that prioritise symbolism over substance, particularly when they affect vulnerable communities.
The government has yet to provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths, leaving questions over safety standards and oversight unanswered.
