Death of East Kalimantan Child Due to Foot Pain Serves as Reminder That the State Must Be Present

Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi stated that the case of MRS’s death, a student at one of the state vocational high schools in Samarinda, serves as a reminder that the state must be present to ensure every child receives their rights, including the right to decent and safe education. “This incident is a serious concern and therefore needs to be evaluated comprehensively,” said Minister PPPA Arifah Fauzi in Jakarta on Monday. According to her, ministries and agencies need to investigate the root causes, from population administration aspects that could result in families not being registered in the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN), to obstacles in accessing social assistance programmes such as the Family Hope Programme (PKH) and the Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP). “The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection will coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the accuracy of targeting social protection programmes for children,” said Arifah Fauzi. Her side expressed deep condolences over MRS’s death. “This case is heart-wrenching; there are still Indonesian children who must struggle with limitations to obtain their educational rights. Amid the family’s concerning economic condition, MRS still showed extraordinary spirit to continue schooling. That spirit reflects resilience in pursuing dreams despite various limitations, even though it ended tragically,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi. Previously, MRS (16), a student at a state vocational high school in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, complained of foot pain due to his too-small shoes. The pain then spread to his waist and back. MRS’s condition worsened, as seen from his swollen foot. Despite the pain, MRS continued to attend school and undergo an internship at one of the shopping centres in Samarinda. MRS came from an underprivileged family. On Thursday (23/4), the victim’s condition weakened further and he could not carry out normal activities. Finally, the victim breathed his last at home on Friday (24/4).