Health Ministry Reveals Cause of Death of Intern Doctor in Lampung, Not Due to Bullying or Workload

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has announced the results of its investigation into the death of dr Muhammad Zulfikar Drakel, a participant of the Indonesian Doctor Internship Programme (PIDI). The deceased had been posted at the KH Ahmad Hanafiah Regional General Hospital in Sukadana, East Lampung Regency.

The investigation was carried out by a joint team comprising the Ministry of Health’s Inspectorate General, the Directorate General of Advanced Health, the Directorate General of Health Human Resources, the Surgery Collegium, the Central and Provincial Medical Internship Committee, the Executive Board of the Indonesian Medical Association (PB IDI), the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI), and the Federation of Indonesian Medical and Health Workers’ Unions. The Ministry worked with local police to trace the full chronology of events.

“The results of the joint investigation conclude that dr Zulfikar’s death was not related to alleged bullying or excessive workload during the programme,” said Yuli Farianti, Director General of Health Human Resources at the Ministry of Health, in a statement on Friday (24/7/2026).

Based on a thorough examination, the deceased died of a medically sensitive condition. To protect medical confidentiality and at the request of the family, who do not wish the illness to be made public, the Ministry cannot disclose the diagnosis.

Yuli expressed condolences over the intern doctor’s death. She said the investigation was conducted comprehensively to ensure that every piece of circulating information could be verified objectively and transparently.

“Upon receiving the incident report, the Ministry of Health immediately formed a joint team to conduct a thorough investigation. The findings show that there was no negligence in the administration of the Internship Programme related to the deceased’s passing,” said Yuli.

The investigation found that at the time of the incident, the deceased was undertaking a ward rotation, carrying out ward rounds together with the Attending Physician in Charge of Services (DPJP). Working hours ran from 08.00 to 14.00 and could end earlier depending on the attending physician’s rounds schedule. As a result, the participant’s total working hours were below the maximum limit of 40 hours per week.

“All clinical practice was also conducted under the supervision of supervising doctors and the DPJP,” said Yuli.