Civil servant dies during military reserve training in Jakarta

Vanreko Varkas Bagaskara, a civil servant from the Ministry of Creative Economy, died during a military basic training session for the Reserve Component (Komcad) at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta.

The incident occurred on September 25, 2026, during an intensive physical training session. Medical reports from RSAU dr. Esnawan Antariksa indicated that the victim suffered from hypotension and a significant spike in body temperature, suggesting a heatstroke caused by extreme weather and physical exhaustion. Despite emergency medical interventions, including oxygen therapy and fluids, he passed away on September 26.

The death has drawn sharp criticism from various groups. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and several civil society coalitions have urged President Prabowo Subianto to halt the involvement of civil servants in Komcad training, questioning the legality and safety of the program. They are calling for an independent investigation into training protocols, medical readiness, and weather risk management.

In response, Indonesia's Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, expressed condolences and emphasized that the training aims to build mental and physical capacity. Meanwhile, members of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) have demanded a thorough evaluation by the Ministry of Defense, specifically regarding health screening procedures and emergency response mechanisms.