UNDIP, Semarang – The deep sorrow is still felt by the Faculty of Medicine at Diponegoro University following the passing of one of the nation’s daughter, the late dr. Aulia Risma Lestari. She is a student of the Anesthesiology Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS) at the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP. The aftermath of her passing led to the suspension or temporary closure of the Anesthesiology and Reanimation PPDS program at UNDIP by the Ministry of Health on August 14, which also resulted in the temporary cessation of clinical activities for the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, Dr. dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko, M.Kes., Sp.B., Subsp.Onk(K), at RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang.
As a form of Diponegoro University’s openness to the public, a “Morning Assembly and Sympathetic Event, Together Building Dignified Education” was held on Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Mini Stadium dr. R. Saleh Mangunsudirdjo, Sp. BO. FICS of the Faculty of Medicine, on the UNDIP Tembalang campus.
In his speech, the Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation at Diponegoro University, Wijayanto, Ph.D., expressed deep condolences over the passing of the late dr. Aulia Risma Lestari. Diponegoro University remains open to all public input, and the ongoing investigation is proceeding according to the applicable laws.
“We are all still in mourning; one of our children, our student, has gone before us. We hear what the public is saying to us, and this morning assembly is a form of our openness to all feedback,” said Wijayanto.
He also emphasized that at this moment, UNDIP rejects any framing that suggests the university does not care. Secondly, UNDIP listens very much to what the public has to say. All comments on social media about UNDIP and the Faculty of Medicine are received positively as a form of public concern.
“The Faculty of Medicine UNDIP is an extraordinary academic institution that receives much attention, open to the public, and even to the authorities conducting the investigation. The Faculty of Medicine UNDIP is the chosen one. This issue has become a model not only at UNDIP but also for all medical faculties in Indonesia. Regarding the ongoing issues, we will work together for the future of the nation, the medical world, and a stronger Indonesian society. Because we are the Diponegoro campus with dignity and purpose,” said Wijayanto.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yan Wisnu, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, expressed his appreciation and heartfelt emotion over the presence of all the guests and participants at the morning assembly. This event showed that they are a united family that loves both their home and the institution they cherish (Faculty of Medicine UNDIP), which serves as their great home and their foundation, Diponegoro University.
Yan Wisnu added that the recent challenges should not weaken or demoralize them but should remind them to rely only on the strength and help of the Creator, Allah SWT. “This is a moment for us to rise together, to run our institution with the utmost integrity, to produce outstanding graduates of specialist doctors, subspecialist doctors, dentists, dietitian nurses, and pharmaceutical experts who will dedicate themselves across the homeland,” explained Dr. Yan.
Furthermore, Dr. dr. Awal Prasetyo, M.Kes., Sp.THT-KL MM(ARS), as the Head of the Partnership and Community Service Division of the Indonesian Medical Education Institution Association (Asosiasi Institusi Pendidikan Kedokteran Indonesia / AIPKI) for 2022-2025, deeply regretted the unilateral decision. In his speech, he expressed his stance regarding the suspension of the Anesthesiology and Reanimation specialty program and the suspension of the clinical activities of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University. Dr. Awal stated his rejection of all forms of bullying in medical education, commitment to a thorough investigation based on the principles of justice and transparency, and respect for the investigative process while avoiding premature judgment.
AIPKI also expressed its support for the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, who has shown high integrity and dedication in carrying out his duties. “AIPKI hopes that actions like this do not set a precedent that could damage the academic climate and professionalism in medical education. We also call for the reactivation of the Anesthesiology and Reanimation PPDS program and Dr. Yan Wisnu’s clinical activities, which are greatly needed by the community,” emphasized Dr. Awal.
“AIPKI hopes that all relevant parties will consider this statement. We also hope that everyone can learn from this incident and work together towards improving the medical education system in Indonesia, creating an environment that is fair, professional, and supportive of human resource development in the health sector,” said Dr. Awal.
The entire academic community (professors, lecturers, PPDS students) and alumni of the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP, all dressed in black or dark clothing with black ribbons, loudly proclaimed, “We Stand with Dr. Yan Wisnu Prajoko.” (DHW & Titis – Public Relations)
