Diponegoro University (UNDIP) sees the passing of PPDS (Specialist Doctor Education Program) Anesthesiology student dr. Aulia Risma Lestari as a moment for collective evaluation, not only concerning the implementation of specialist medical education but also for all stakeholders. “With all due respect, without intending to precede all the ongoing investigations by the police and the ministry, we hope this incident becomes a moment for collective evaluation. It would not be wise for this event to become merely a topic of debate and controversy. Nor should it be used to blame one another,” said the Rector of Diponegoro University (UNDIP), Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., on Monday (2/9/2024).
The Rector reminded everyone that the death of dr. Aulia has become a contentious issue that could harm all parties. If left unchecked, not only could it damage higher education institutions, but the effects could also spread, including disrupting the government’s commitment to providing specialist doctors. “We also have a moral obligation to honor the feelings of dr. Aulia’s family. They would certainly prefer that what they experienced is remembered as something that brings goodness to the community,” emphasized Suharnomo.
Therefore, UNDIP calls upon all stakeholders to end unproductive debates, conduct evaluations, and look forward to fulfilling their respective duties and obligations. This invitation is not solely for UNDIP’s interest but for the common good. Each stakeholder’s role is crucial in this collective effort. “This invitation is not for the sake of UNDIP’s interest. This university was established to serve the nation, the state, and humanity through education. UNDIP is a state-owned legal entity, but its existence is dedicated to the community,” he added.
Regarding issues of bullying and allegations of extortion by seniors, UNDIP leaves the matter entirely to the authorities. In this context, UNDIP has been open and cooperative since the incident occurred. UNDIP is not only collaborative but also transparent, so Suharnomo was surprised by the accusations that the university was covering up the incident. “Why would we cover it up? UNDIP is a state-owned legal entity. It belongs to all of us, so there’s no reason to hide anything. Today is the digital era where everyone can express themselves in the digital space. What we hope for is a productive, educational, and beneficial dialogue in the public space.”
For this reason, the UNDIP Rector welcomed the steps taken by Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), which is working on finalizing a new health law that will include improvements in the education of healthcare professionals, including medical and specialist doctor education. The Deputy Chair of Commission IX of the DPR RI, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, who is also the Chair of the Health Bill Committee, stated in a dialogue with CNN along with UNDIP Rector, Prof. Suharnomo, last weekend that since the discussion of the health law began, they have received many reports indicating that a comprehensive overhaul of specialist doctor education in the country is necessary. Melki revealed that there are indications of systematic bullying that has allegedly occurred over a long period.
Melki believes that breakthroughs and radical measures are needed to stop it. The phenomenon suspected in the Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS) in Indonesia is like an iceberg, with only the tip visible. Therefore, Melki hopes that the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, as well as higher education institutions and teaching hospitals, will take an active role in stopping the bullying process by making improvements in their respective fields. “We have already requested this from the Minister of Health during a working meeting,” said Melki during the dialogue on CNN.
During the working meeting with Commission IX of the DPR, Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin highlighted the still high number of bullying cases within the Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS). As of August 23, 2024, the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) recorded 234 reports of bullying in vertical hospitals, which are hospitals managed by the Ministry of Health, currently numbering 33 hospitals. The data shows that the Internal Medicine program recorded the highest number of cases, with 44 reported cases, followed by the Surgery program, with 33 cases, and the Anesthesiology program, with 22 reported cases.
Given the developments in public dialogue, UNDIP Rector Prof. Suharnomo stated that the issues being discussed related to the death of the UNDIP PPDS student have now become a collective responsibility that must be addressed. As a state-owned higher education institution, UNDIP is open to serving as a host for efforts to improve the PPDS in Indonesia. “If desired, DPR, the press, and other universities are welcome to come to UNDIP to find solutions to the problems at hand collectively. We are open, transparent, collaborative, and definitely cooperative,” said Suharnomo. (***)
