Aftermath of Deceased Intern Doctors, Ministry of Health Overhauls Working Hours Regulations
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is conducting a major evaluation of the doctor internship programme in Indonesia. This step follows the deaths of several intern doctors throughout 2026, which has drawn attention to the work culture and system of training young doctors in hospitals.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin expressed condolences for the passing of dr. Andito Mohammad Wibisono, dr. Karika Ayu Permatasari, dr. Edgar Bezaliel Hartanto, and dr. Myta Aprilia Azmi. The government, he said, has identified numerous issues in the implementation of doctor internships at various hospitals.
“The Ministry of Health is deeply saddened by the deaths of our intern doctors. We see that many aspects of the internship programme implementation in hospitals across Indonesia still need to be addressed,” Budi stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026).
Budi stated that the government does not want any more young doctors to face pressure due to an unhealthy work culture during their professional education and training in hospitals. Therefore, serious improvements to the work culture in the internship programme and the Specialist Doctor Education Programme (PPDS) will be undertaken.
To investigate these issues, Kemenkes has formed a joint investigation team comprising the Inspectorate General of Kemenkes, the Directorate General of Health Human Resources, the Directorate General of Advanced Health, the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), PAPDI, and the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Medicine at Sriwijaya University.
The investigation involves taking direct statements from internship participants, supervising doctors, hospital management, and the families of the deceased.
“The government is very serious about improving the governance of medical education and training in Indonesia. Therefore, the investigation is being conducted openly, objectively, and transparently,” Budi said.
As an improvement measure, Kemenkes has set new rules regarding working hours for internship participants. Working hours are stipulated to be a maximum of 40 hours per week and must not be condensed or crammed.
“We emphasise that internship participants’ working hours are a maximum of 40 hours per week and must not be condensed. We do not want any young doctors to fall ill, let alone die, due to inhumane work patterns,” he said.
Kemenkes also emphasises that internship participants are not replacements for organic doctors in hospitals. Participants must receive active supervision from supervising doctors.
“Intern doctors are not replacements for organic doctors. They are there to learn and must receive active supervision from supervising doctors,” Budi stated.
Additionally, the government will improve the remuneration system for internship participants. Hitherto, living cost assistance from Kemenkes has been provided consistently, but allowances from regional governments and hospital service fees still vary by region.
Going forward, Kemenkes will set a minimum remuneration standard that regional governments and internship venues must meet to reduce disparities.
The leave rights for internship participants have also been revised. Previously only four days, it is now 10 days without the obligation to extend the internship period. Participants can still take sick leave and maternity leave in accordance with applicable regulations.
“We have improved the leave rights for internship participants to provide them with better protection. For sick leave or maternity leave, there is no need to replace or extend it, as long as the required competencies are met,” Budi said.
Budi emphasised that his side will conduct medical audits on several cases still being handled and strengthen health monitoring for internship participants through a free health check programme twice a year, including supporting examinations such as X-rays.
“The internship programme must be a safe, healthy, and humane learning space for our young doctors. These improvements are made so that the system built truly protects internship participants while ensuring patient safety,” he said.