Indonesian Defense Ministry Mandates Military Training for Cooperative Managers

Indonesia's Ministry of Defense is requiring prospective managers of village and fisherman cooperatives to complete basic military training, a move aimed at forging strong leadership and discipline. According to Major General Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia, head of the ministry's Human Resources Development Agency, the training instills discipline, leadership, integrity, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. These qualities are deemed essential for managing public funds through cooperatives, which are seen as vital to strengthening the rural economy and, by extension, national resilience. While the training involves physical and semi-military activities, the focus is on mental and character development, not creating soldiers. The ministry also stated it would evaluate the program, particularly in light of past incidents, to ensure training is adapted to participants' conditions and to prevent fatalities.

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This defense and managerial training is directed at shaping character, discipline, leadership, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and a spirit of service to the community.