Health Minister Says Dr Piprim Was Sacked for Absenteeism, Not Disagreement

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has spoken out regarding reports of the dismissal of Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso from Fatmawati Central General Hospital. Budi stated that the sacking was not due to any difference of opinion.

“It has already been explained by the Director of Fatmawati — a dismissal could not possibly be due to a difference of opinion,” Budi said after a meeting with House of Representatives leaders at the parliamentary complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (18 February 2026).

“This can only happen to a civil servant because of a disciplinary violation. That’s all,” he added.

Budi emphasised that Piprim’s dismissal was due to absenteeism from work, describing it as a matter of discipline.

“This can only happen to a civil servant because of a disciplinary violation. That’s all,” he said.

“Yes, it was about absenteeism — it could not possibly be just because of a difference of opinion,” he added.

Previously, senior paediatric cardiology consultant Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso had claimed he was sacked by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. He made the announcement through a post on his personal social media account.

“In the end, I was sacked by the Health Minister, Mr Budi Gunadi Sadikin,” Dr Piprim said on Sunday (15 February).

“To all my patients, particularly those at the National Central General Hospital (RSCM), my students, resident trainees aspiring to become paediatricians, and fellows training to become paediatric cardiology consultants, I offer my deepest apologies as I will no longer be able to accompany you on your educational journey,” he continued.

In his explanation, Dr Piprim referred to his stance regarding the collegium, which is currently under the authority of the Ministry of Health. He claimed that a senior colleague had warned him of a transfer if he did not support the collegium arrangement.

“I was merely carrying out the mandate of the national congress in Semarang, which stated that the Indonesian Paediatric Health Sciences Collegium should remain an independent body. As such, we were at the time fighting for the collegium’s independence and rejecting the placement of the collegium under the Health Minister,” Dr Piprim continued.