IDI's Fate After Terawan Fired, Threatened To Disband

JAKARTA - The controversy over the dismissal of former Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto has now become a boomerang for the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI). IDI is in danger of being disbanded.

The proposal to disband IDI emerged when the medical professional organization attended a public hearing (RDPU) at Commission IX of the DPR RI, Monday, April 4. Moreover, IDI had irritated him because he did not come when summoned by the DPR last Sunday.

During the meeting, Commission IX of the DPR encouraged IDI to resolve its polemic with Terawan Agus Putranto internally. For this reason, Commission IX will not summon doctor Terawan.

Deputy Chair of Commission IX DPR from the National Awakening Party (PKB) Nihayatul 'Ninik' Wafiroh stressed that there must be good ethics from all parties to communicate with doctor Terawan. In this case, there must be someone who bridges it and does not make a fuss.

“I said if something like this happens, solve it internally first. This is an internal problem, how come Dr. Terawan is a member of IDI, why does it need to be published in a press conference. Do it internally first, if this is not finished what should be done. So the problem, I think, only needs communication,” said Ninik in the RDPU, Monday, April 4.

Meanwhile, Member of Commission IX of the DPR from the NasDem Party faction Irma Suryani Chaniago questioned the reason for IDI's dismissal of Terawan. Irma even called for IDI to be disbanded.

At first, Irma deepened the question of the purpose of the founding of the IDI organization. Where, there are a number of visions and missions that essentially support, protect and prosper its members.

"First of all, I want to deepen the purpose of establishing IDI. IDI is a professional organization, an organization, as I see it as a trade union which has the function of protecting its members, empowering its members and then supporting its members, not firing its members," said Irma.

Then, he commented that IDI has the aim of increasing the health status of the Indonesian people and increasing the degree of health science. "And regarding the case of the doctor Terawan, I think he has fulfilled this," said Irma.

Then, regarding fostering and developing member professions, Irma saw that IDI did not do that. Including, IDI does not conduct coaching and develop members' professional abilities

In fact, said Irma, doctor Terawan's brainwashing is useful for patients and most of the patients say that they have no side effects and are actually healthy and provide health.

"Then the welfare of members, improve the welfare of members, IDI does not prosper members, people just want to take it easy, how come they fire members," he explained.

Irma also highlighted that IDI did not pass 2,500 young doctors because they did not pass the competency test. According to him, it will create a lot of unemployed doctors. "So what did IDI do to them? What did IDI do? They didn't just leave it alone. Then it was easy to fire them if they didn't agree," said Irma.

"Just disband the IDI, why are people just a professional organization," he continued. Irma also reminded again about the oath of a doctor's profession which must prioritize the interests of human safety. He then reviewed what Dr. Terawan did without any mistakes. Instead, Irma said that IDI should provide support to Dr. Terawan.

"IDI should provide support to doctor Terawan. How can DSA be accepted for support. Since there is no problem and saves, why should it not be allowed," asked Irma.

IDI Responds to Calls of Disband After Terawan's Dismissal

Chairman of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) Adib Khumaidi also responded to calls for the disbandment of IDI. Adib said IDI will always be there for the people of Indonesia.

"So I think things related to organizational provisions in relation to the state are also mentioned in the Medical Practice Law, there are also decisions from the Constitutional Court," Adib told reporters after a meeting at the Parliament Complex, Monday, April 4.

"I think we will continue, IDI will always be there for the people of Indonesia," he continued.

Adib explained that IDI's position was strengthened by the decisions of the Supreme Court. However, Adib said that IDI's organizational transformation internally would also be improved.

"I think when we talk about IDI being disbanded, we have already conveyed that there is a decision from the Constitutional Court, namely PU Number 15, PU Number 10/PU Number 15 of 2017 which also strengthens the position of IDI," explained Adib.

"But again, of course, there is an internal organizational transformation that we will also improve," he added.