Ministry of Health: Intern Doctor in East Lampung Dies Due to Illness, Not Bullying

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health said that the results of the investigation related to the death of the Indonesian Doctor Intern Program (PIDI) participant, Dr. Muhammad Zulfikar Drakel, who served at the KH Ahmad Hanafiah East Lampung Hospital showed that he died of a sensitive disease.

Director General of Health Human Resources of the Ministry of Health, dr. Yuli Farianti said, the results of the joint investigation concluded that the death of Dr. Zulfikar was not related to bullying or excessive work during the program.

In order to protect the confidentiality of medical data and at the request of the deceased's family, it cannot disclose the diagnosis to the public.

The investigation was conducted by a joint team consisting of the Ministry of Health, the College of Surgery, the Central and Provincial Internal Medicine Committee, the Indonesian Doctors Association (PB IDI), the Indonesian Association of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI), and the Federation of Indonesian Medical and Health Workers.

Yuli said that the results of the investigation showed that at the time of the incident, the deceased was undergoing a ward stay with the task of conducting a visit with the Responsible Service Doctor (DPJP).

Working hours take place from 08.00 to 14.00 and can end earlier according to the schedule of the Patient Responsible Doctor (DPJP) visit, so that the total working hours of participants are below the maximum 40 hours per week. All clinical practices are also carried out under the guidance of a mentor doctor and DPJP.

The investigation team also did not find any potential overload of work that could cause fatigue. In addition, there were no indications of bullying, intimidation, or obstacles in granting permits, including permission to undergo treatment.

"Based on the results of the investigation, the participants carried out their work hours according to the applicable provisions. We also did not find any indication of excessive workload, bullying, intimidation, or obstacles in granting permission to seek treatment. During treatment, the deceased obtained permission to rest and seek treatment as needed," said Yuli, quoted by Antara.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that the results of the investigation did not find a relationship between the cause of the deceased's death and the implementation of the Indonesian Doctor Internship Program.

As part of efforts to strengthen the protection of internship participants, the Ministry of Health has issued the Decree of the Minister of Health Number HK.01.07/MENKES/594/2026 concerning Guidelines for the Implementation of Indonesian Internsip Doctors and Dentists on June 8, 2026.

The regulation strengthens the governance of the program through limiting the maximum working hours to 40 hours per week, arranging rest and vacation time, provisions for granting permits, and strengthening the practice support system and participant protection.

"The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that every incident is followed up objectively, transparently, and accountable. Evaluation and strengthening of the internal control program will continue to be carried out so that all participants can have a safe, healthy, and protected learning and working environment," he said.

He also expressed his condolences for the death of the internsip participant doctor. He revealed that the investigation was carried out thoroughly to ensure that any information circulating could be verified objectively and transparently.