This initiative seeks to prevent any recurrence of the case of Dr. Aulia Risma Lestari in Semarang.
On Thursday, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that the task force will improve the efficiency of identifying bullying cases and create a more significant deterrent effect.
"We will discuss (to ensure that) this task force (is implemented) more systematically in all teaching hospitals and medical faculties throughout Indonesia. We know that bullying is not confined to Semarang," he remarked.
Sadikin made the remarks at an award ceremony honoring the late Dr. Aulia Risma Lestari, a PPDS Anesthesia student from the Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, for her bravery and perseverance throughout her studies.
Sadikin affirmed that this situation serves as a crucial reminder to improve the education system and foster a culture of empathy among specialist doctors.
"For all juniors here, do not hesitate to report any inappropriate incident," he stated.
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He encouraged PPDS students to report instances of bullying directly to the Health Ministry.
He also advised seniors at PPDS to break the chain of bullying as it is detrimental to the mental well-being of their juniors while they care for patients.
"Teachers, please refrain from allowing seniors to instruct juniors, as it could perpetuate bullying," Sadikin noted.
On the occasion, Nuzmatun Malinah, the mother of the late Dr. Aulia Risma Lestari, expressed gratitude for the ministry and the police's involvement in overseeing the bullying case.
She expressed hope that the legal process would be carried out as fairly as possible following the identification of three suspects linked to her daughter's bullying case.
"We demand improvements in PPDS education in Indonesia. This incident shall not recur," she stressed.
She also thanked the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), especially Commissions III and IX, for promoting greater transparency and respect in law enforcement practices in Indonesia.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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