Semarang, the Rector of Diponegoro University (UNDIP), has called for an end to the controversy and debate surrounding the death of an Anesthesiology and Reanimation PPDS (Specialist Doctor Education Program) student until there are official investigation results from the police. “I ask the academic community to stop the controversy and debate about the death of the PPDS student from the Faculty of Medicine at UNDIP. Stop now. There is no need to make statements or get provoked. Let’s wait for the official investigation results from the police,” said UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., on Friday (6/9/2024).
Suharnomo also hopes that parties outside of UNDIP will do the same so that the police can conduct their investigation calmly and thoroughly. “We ask for understanding; let’s give the police time to carry out their duties. It seems the discussion around the death of dr. Aulia Risma Lestari has become a legal matter, so those outside the investigation should hold back. Let’s not let this issue become more complicated or spiral out of control,” he said.
It was reported that dr. Aulia Risma’s mother, Nuzmatun Malinah, accompanied by legal counsel and the Inspectorate Team from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), filed a report on alleged bullying, extortion, and harassment that led to dr. Risma’s death at the Integrated Police Service Center (Sentra Pelayanan Kepolisian Terpadu / SPKT) of the Central Java Regional Police on Wednesday (4/9/2024) around noon. With the filing of this report, the legal process is now transparent. Therefore, Suharnomo stressed that there is no need to prolong the debate, controversy, or arguments about whether there was bullying, extortion, or harassment or what caused dr. Risma’s death. He firmly asked the UNDIP academic community to stop being involved in the controversy. “Stop. That’s enough.”
He reiterated his request for everyone to refrain from making statements or accusations and to wait for the investigation results and the legal process. “We trust the authorities to do their job well. Let the legal process unfold and reveal the facts of this case. There’s no need to prolong the debate. Let’s wait for the legal process to finish,” said the former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business UNDIP.
What is certain is that once the legal process is concluded, mainly if it results in a final verdict, UNDIP will take the necessary next steps. He does not want to speculate, but if any UNDIP personnel are found to be involved, the university’s stance is clear. “There’s no need for many words. If anyone is found guilty and falls within our jurisdiction, actions will be taken in accordance with the applicable regulations. I can assure you of that.”
Regarding the suspension of the Anesthesiology and Reanimation program by the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP at RSUP, Dr. Kariadi, as well as the suspension of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, Dr. dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko’s practice license at the hospital managed by the Ministry of Health, Suharnomo urged a review of these decisions. In a trembling voice, he requested the Ministry of Health, through the Directorate General of Health Services, to reconsider the negative impact of these decisions. “Please reconsider and reflect on whether these decisions bring more benefit or harm,” Suharnomo appealed.
As someone entrusted with leading a government-owned educational institution, Suharnomo expressed concern over the suspension of the PPDS Anesthesiology and Reanimation program at RSUP Dr. Kariadi Semarang, which has disrupted the learning process of the residents. The suspension, although temporary, clearly harms the PPDS students who are undergoing education to become qualified specialist healthcare providers. “We all know we have a shortage of specialist doctors. It’s not wise to halt their education. Especially when linked to the investigation, it’s irrelevant because the people there are students and instructors. The authority over activities lies with the management of RSUP Dr. Kariadi. It’s a stretch, if not an exaggeration, to make such connections.”
Similarly, Suharnomo sees no relevance in suspending Dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko’s practice license at RS Kariadi. “What’s the connection? There’s no relevance, but it’s harming many parties,” he concluded. (***)
