Investigation into Death of PPDS Doctor in Kandou Targeted to Finish in Two Weeks

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the investigation into the death of Adrian Rantung, a doctor on the Anaesthesiology Specialist Doctor Education Programme (PPDS) at Prof. Dr. RD Kandou General Hospital in Manado, is currently underway. The victim was allegedly subjected to bullying during his training at the hospital. He was found lifeless in his boarding room in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Sunday, 5 July 2026. Budi estimated the inquiry could be completed within a fortnight at the latest. ‘Usually the investigation into the cause of death is finished within a week or two,’ Budi said at the Ministry of Health office in Jakarta on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. The investigation is not only being conducted by the Ministry of Health but also involves the Indonesian Doctors Council, the Anaesthesiology College, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. Budi said the ministry would coordinate with the police to investigate the case. He stated that a team from his ministry had been dispatched to conduct an audit. ‘We have sent a team to Manado to audit and cooperate with colleagues from the Regional Police; it is still in process,’ he said. While awaiting the results of the investigation, the Anaesthesiology PPDS activities at Kandou General Hospital have been temporarily suspended. This policy is stipulated in a Decree of the President Director of RSUP Kandou Manado dated 6 July 2026. ‘Temporarily suspending the learning activities of the Anaesthesiology Study Programme at Prof. Dr. RD Kandou General Hospital Manado until the handling of the alleged bullying is completed,’ the decree stated.