House Commission XIII Urges Government to Harmonise Medical Education Regulations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Commission XIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) has requested the government, particularly the Ministry of Law, to harmonise and synchronise regulations related to medical education amid allegations that professional certificates for prospective doctors are being withheld. Based on the conclusions of a meeting with the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and the Young Doctors Movement of Indonesia (PDMI), Commission XIII also asked the Ministry of State Secretariat to coordinate these regulations across ministries and agencies. “Commission XIII will write to partners related to this regulation,” said Commission XIII Deputy Chair Andreas Hugo Pareira at the DPR Building, Jakarta, Thursday. In addition, Commission XIII requested Komnas HAM to monitor human rights aspects in the field of medical education and profession, particularly regarding the fulfilment of the right to work in accordance with one’s education and competencies. Komnas HAM was also asked to follow up on PDMI’s complaint thoroughly, coordinating with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Ministry of Health, the Medical Collegium, the Indonesian Medical Association, and the Indonesian Health Council. PDMI representative Mika Wardani stated that the fate of prospective doctors is in limbo because their professional certificates have not been issued. This issue is seen as rooted in medical education regulations that are considered unfair. Mika highlighted a new rule, namely Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education Regulation Number 18 of 2018 concerning National Standards for Medical Education. Article 40 paragraph (1) of the regulation stipulates that professional programmes for doctors and dentists are conducted for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years. However, Mika said the new rule is being applied retroactively. “Why are we, from the class of 2018 and below, subjected to that ministerial regulation?” she questioned. She also questioned Article 36 paragraph (2) of Law Number 20 of 2013 on Medical Education, which stipulates that to obtain a professional certificate, students must pass a competency examination. “Why must we pass the competency exam first before our professional certificate is given? Isn’t this a flawed way of thinking?” she said. Meanwhile, Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah said her agency is currently processing the PDMI complaint filed on 8 June 2026. “Komnas HAM has conducted an analysis in the form of an event reconstruction. We are also requesting various documents from the Young Doctors Movement, which are very important for Komnas HAM to complete and deepen the investigation of the reported case,” Anis explained. To gather further information, Komnas HAM has scheduled requests for statements from various related parties, including the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, the Minister of Health, and the Indonesian Medical Association.