IDI Lampung: Intern Doctor's Death in Metro Not Due to Overwork

The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) of Lampung has stated that the death of intern doctor M Zulfikar Drakel in Metro City is suspected to have been caused by a comorbid condition that was previously unknown.

“The investigation we carried out found no indication of overwork or excessive workload. We also found no bullying or violence in the workplace,” said the head of IDI Lampung, Josi Harnos, when contacted in Bandarlampung on Thursday.

According to him, the investigation was conducted by taking statements from fellow intern doctors, the hospital where he served, the hospital director, and the supervising doctor.

“From our findings, there is a suspicion of a comorbid illness that was never previously known,” said Josi.

“There was an infection, but it could not be established what kind of infection it was, where it originated, or what it was like, because the family refused an autopsy. We respect the family’s decision,” he said.

He added that the late doctor’s quiet nature and the fact that he lived separately from his colleagues made it difficult to know about his health condition.

“Therefore, the death of doctor Zulfikar cannot be equated with previous cases, because the cause is different,” said Josi.

“We also appreciate the involvement of the Ministry of Health, the police, the Medical and Health Division (Biddokkes), the central board of IDI, and the provincial health office in the investigation process,” he said.

It is understood that M Zulfikar Drakel, a participant in the Indonesian Doctor Internship Programme (PIDI), passed away on 21 July 2026 whilst serving at the Sukadana Regional General Hospital in East Lampung.