An Indonesian civil servant died on Saturday, Sept. 16, after collapsing during a state-sponsored military reserve training program in East Jakarta. The Ministry of Defense has confirmed the death and announced it is conducting an investigation into the incident, which has brought renewed attention to the country’s Reserve Component (Komcad) program.
Vanreko Varkas Bagaskara, 31, an employee of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, was participating in the second wave of Komcad training for 2023. The program was being held at the Rindam Jaya military command in East Jakarta.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense, Bagaskara collapsed on Thursday, Sept. 14, after participating in a running exercise. He received initial medical attention at the training camp’s clinic before being transferred to the Ridwan Meuraksa Hospital for further treatment. He died on Saturday after receiving medical care for more than 24 hours.
Ministry of Defense spokesperson Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed the events in a statement to the press. “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a Komcad training participant,” Simanjuntak said, extending condolences to Bagaskara’s family. He stated that the ministry is forming a team to investigate the incident thoroughly and will cover all expenses related to the funeral.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, also issued a statement expressing his condolences. He described Bagaskara as a dedicated employee who had voluntarily joined the program out of a sense of national duty.
The Komcad program was established under a 2019 law on national resource management. It allows Indonesian citizens to volunteer for basic military training to serve as a reserve force that can be mobilized to support the professional military during a national emergency, war, or natural disaster. Participants undergo three months of training, after which they return to their civilian professions but remain on standby for potential deployment.
The program has been a subject of public discussion since its inception. Proponents, including the Ministry of Defense, state that it strengthens national defense capabilities. However, some civil society and human rights organizations have previously raised questions about the program’s necessity and oversight, expressing concerns about its potential impact on civilian life.
The investigation into Bagaskara’s death is ongoing. Officials have not yet released an official cause of death pending the results of the inquiry. The Ministry of Defense has stated it is committed to transparency and will review its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
