The Ministry of Defense confirmed that basic military training for prospective Red and White Village Cooperative managers only included light exercises like gymnastics and walking. Five SPPI participants died during the program.
Head of BPSDM at the Ministry of Defense Major General Ketut Gede Wetan Pastia stated that physical activities were limited to gymnastics, walking, marching drills, and military salutes. He added that the program emphasized character building and discipline rather than heavy physical training.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin ordered adjustments to training intensity based on each participant's health condition and strengthened medical supervision. The ministry also coordinated with the Ministry of Health for disease prevention.
A total of 32 pregnant participants were sent home on humanitarian grounds and one participant gave birth during training. The five deceased came from different units with causes including heat stroke and cardiac arrest.
