“The sprawling training center in Bogor, about 60 km (35 miles) south of the capital, Jakarta, is at the heart of a movement spearheaded by officials from the ministry of defense and military against perceived threats such as communism, drugs and homosexuality. The concept of defending the nation in this way has existed since before Indonesia's independence in 1945, officials say, but they now see a need to shore up protection against “influences” that deviate from the founding principles and norms of the country with the world's largest Muslim population. Over the last few months, the movement has gained momentum, partly in a reaction to support from President Joko Widodo for an investigation into an anti-communist purge in 1965. Historians say at least 500,000 people died in the violence that followed when suspected communists killed six generals in an attempted coup against then-president Sukarno. Successive governments have refused to apologize or accept that death toll, and Widodo's move has outraged many among the military's elite.

"Bela Negara" official Major General Asrin told Reuters the program was necessary to strengthen nationalistic values and said about 1.8 million people had signed up for it. Officials aim to have almost 900 training centers across the country by early 2018, with lesson materials and funding being provided by the government and trainers coming from the military or police, Asrin said. At the training center, a typical day starts at 5 a.m. with a jog, songs and marches, followed by lectures and practical sessions. Officials insist the aim is to make people better citizens, not soldiers, though Reuters saw some participants learning how to assemble a gun. The program stemmed from the concerns of the authorities that some trends in society were not in line with nationalistic values, said political analyst Djayadi Hanan. “But it became controversial because the military and the defense ministry are involved in this program, prompting suspicion that this is militarization”, he said. For “Bela Negara” student Mebri, however, it will cultivate in Indonesians a love for their country from a young age. “This course helps me to shape my character and personality, so I'll become a strong, determined and honest person who is always ready to follow the orders of my superiors”, he said”. – Eveline Danubrata, Johan Purnomo, Agustinus Beo Da Costa and Fergus Jensen via Reuters



Military trainers run participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme through drills at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme fall to the ground following a trainer's order at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A military trainer runs participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme through drills at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme shout during morning exercise at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme raise an Indonesian flag at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Children watch participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme as they train at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A participant of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme leads other participants in a cheer at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A military trainer inspects participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme as they stand at attention at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A participant of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme tries to assemble an assault rifle during weapons familiarisation at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A military trainer helps a participant of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme with weapons familiarisation at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Military trainers make participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme balance plastic cups filled with water on their heads while eating breakfast at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Participant of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme are forced onto the floor by military trainers while eating breakfast at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





A female participant of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme applies camouflage face paint on another participant's face at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)





Participants of the Bela Negara – “defend the nation” – programme stand at attention at a training centre in Rumpin, Bogor, West Java, Indonesia June 2, 2016. (Photo by Darren Whiteside/Reuters)