The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Indonesian Development Mobilizer Graduates Program (SPPI) following the death of Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan, a candidate for manager of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperatives (KDKMP). Rifki passed away in the early hours of Friday, June 26, 2026, while undergoing Basic Military Training (Latsarmil).
Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, confirmed that the deceased had passed all selection stages, including a health check that declared him fit to undergo training. However, on June 25, 2026, he complained of shortness of breath during activities. Despite receiving initial treatment and returning to training, his health condition deteriorated later that afternoon.
Rifki was immediately rushed to RSAU dr. Esnawan Antariksa to receive intensive care in the ICU. Unfortunately, despite maximum medical efforts, his life could not be saved. The Ministry of Defense stated that they have supported the family throughout the repatriation process and ensured the fulfillment of the deceased's rights as a program participant.
Responding to this incident, the Ministry of Defense, together with the National Selection Committee, decided to improve standard operating procedures. The evaluation steps include strengthening early detection of medical conditions, tightening supervision by medical personnel during training, and tracing the medical histories of other participants to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The SPPI program is a government initiative to develop leaders of integrity to be deployed in Village/Sub-district Cooperatives and Merah Putih Fishing Villages. This case adds to the tragic record of Latsarmil training, as three other participants previously passed away during similar programs, namely Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, Anisa Muyassaroh, and Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang.
