The recent death of a junior doctor in specialist medical training has highlighted the pervasive issue of bullying in Indonesian medical schools. Aulia Risma Lestari, a 30-year-old resident in the anaesthesia specialist programme at Diponegoro University in Semarang, was discovered dead at her home. Police are investigating her death as a potential suicide.
Leaked WhatsApp messages between Lestari and her seniors surfaced on social media, revealing alleged pressures to cover their expenses for food, entertainment, and car rentals.
Indonesia’s Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, described bullying as an “open secret” and pledged to enforce stricter measures against the offenders. He emphasised his commitment to pursuing legal action to ensure severe punishments and create a deterrent effect.
Between July 2023 and August 2024, the health ministry received 356 formal bullying complaints. Authorities examined 156 cases, leading to suspensions or dismissals. Complaints detailed physical and verbal abuse, financial extortion, and intimidation. Health ministry spokesman Mohammad Syahril assured that the ministry would continue to take stringent actions against bullies, flagging their names in the system as perpetrators.
Following Lestari’s death, more junior doctors have shared their own experiences. Agung Purnama, a 29-year-old oncology surgery specialist, recounted pressures to work extended hours under threats of poor grades or being deemed unfit to become doctors. He expressed the dilemma of complying to avoid jeopardising his career.
Diah Satyani Saminarsih, founder and chief executive of the advocacy group Centre for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives, criticised the normalisation of bullying due to the high pressures of medical education. She stressed that bullying should not be tolerated, noting that junior doctors are particularly vulnerable.
The tragic incident has sparked a broader discussion on the culture of bullying in Indonesian medical institutions, urging authorities and institutions to address and eradicate such practices.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Channel News Asia highlights the recent death of a doctor in Indonesia, attributed to alleged bullying, exposing the pervasive culture of intimidation in medical training institutions. (read more)
- Ground News highlights the death of Aulia Risma Lestari, a junior doctor in Indonesia, exposing a widespread bullying issue in medical schools, with advocacy groups demanding action to end the cycle of abuse and exploitation. (read more)
- The Jakarta Globe reports on the pervasive bullying in Indonesia’s medical training institutions, highlighting the tragic death of a young doctor and the endemic nature of the issue, emphasizing the need for strict sanctions and improved systems to prevent bullying. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Aulia Risma Lestari?
Aulia Risma Lestari, a junior doctor, was found dead, and her death is being investigated as a possible suicide.
What has been revealed about bullying in Indonesian medical schools?
Bullying in Indonesian medical schools is an ‘open secret,’ with 356 complaints reported and 156 cases investigated.
What measures is Indonesia’s health minister proposing against bullying?
The health minister is pushing for stricter measures and legal action to ensure maximum punishment for bullies.
How are junior doctors in Indonesia affected by bullying?
Junior doctors face pressure to work long hours and financial coercion, risking poor grades or their careers if they don’t comply.
What stance does the health ministry take on bullying in medical schools?
The health ministry takes stern action against bullies, flagging their names in the system as perpetrators.