Indonesia
The deaths of prospective managers of President Prabowo Subianto’s rural cooperatives and fishing village programs in military training has prompted rights groups and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to call for an end to the training.
Participants in basic military training for prospective managers of the Red and White rural cooperatives chant slogans at the 1st Marine Infantry Brigade in Cilandak, Jakarta on June 25, 2026. (Antara/Indrianto Eko Suwarso)
The deaths of prospective managers of President Prabowo Subianto’s rural cooperatives and fishing village programs in military training has prompted rights groups and the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to call for an end to the training, amid concerns over growing militarization in civilian spaces.Five participants of the mandatory military training have died over the past two weeks after suffering various medical emergencies during the course, from cardiac arrest, heat stroke, tuberculosis and pneumonia, according to the Defense Ministry, which is leading the training.
The latest three fatalities include Novia Rahmadhani Sihotang, Muhammad Rifki Renaldi Gunawan and Nola Dya Sari, who died in separate incidents between June 22 and June 26.
