"The internship program has been running for 10 years. We see the need for improvement in behaviors, processes, and cultures. Since this has been in place for quite some time, it is not easy to change. We are confident this will not recur," Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Thursday.
According to him, President Prabowo Subianto also expressed his concern to improve the governance of medical education in the country.
The first step in the changes, he said, is the regulation of working hours to be at 40 hours maximum, without extension.
This means there should be no potentially harmful work arrangements, such as working 20 hours in a day and taking the following day off.
As examples, Sadikin mentioned schedules of 8 hours a day for five working days or around 7 hours a day for six working days.
"The second point, we emphasize that interns are not substitutes for organic doctors. Their job is to train under the supervision of a supervising doctor," the minister emphasized.
For the third point, his team decided to issue remuneration standards, consisting of three components: living expenses from the Ministry of Health ranging from Rp3 million to Rp6.5 million (US$167-US$363) per month, regional government allowances, and service fees from the institution where intern doctors conduct their internship.
Fourth, he highlighted interns' rights to leave and permits.
Previously, interns were granted four days of leave, but the entitlement has now been increased to 10 days.
He added that interns are not required to make up for missed schedules during their leave. In addition to the standard leave, interns are also entitled to sick leave and maternity leave.
"But they still have to meet the minimum competency or number of cases required to pass," he continued.
"Lastly, we ensure that all interns receive President Prabowo's Free Health Checkup," Sadikin said.
The minister also expressed his condolences for the passing of Dr. Myta and three other interns who passed away throughout 2026. He emphasized that no more doctors should die due to poor work culture in hospitals, whether in the internship program or Specialist Doctor Education Program (PPDS).
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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