Indonesian politician proposes moratorium on military training after four deaths

A politician from Indonesia's Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) has called for a temporary halt, or moratorium, on military basic training for candidates managing village and fisherman cooperatives. Mulyanto, the PKS politician, made this proposal after four prospective managers died during training sessions organized by the Ministry of Defense.

"I encourage a moratorium and a comprehensive evaluation of this activity," Mulyanto stated via WhatsApp message on Saturday. He emphasized that the moratorium is necessary to prevent further loss of life and aligns with the government's current budget efficiency measures.

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I encourage a moratorium and a comprehensive evaluation of this activity.

Mulyanto clarified that he does not inherently oppose the military basic training, which aims to instill discipline and mental fortitude in cooperative managers. However, he stressed that the training should not be generalized to military standards and must be conducted in a more 'friendly' manner, with thorough health assessments.

"In my opinion, this is excessive, with four people having died. Therefore, I urge a moratorium first so that the evaluation can proceed optimally," said the member of the MPR's State Governance Study Commission. The four individuals who died were identified as Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, Anisa Muyassaroh, Yonanda Muhammad Taufiq, and Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan. Their deaths occurred during training at various military facilities across Indonesia between June 17 and June 23, 2026, with causes ranging from heat stroke to cardiac arrest.

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In my opinion, this is excessive, with four people having died. Therefore, I urge a moratorium first so that the evaluation can proceed optimally.