Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic Student Dies During Orientation

A cadet (student) from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic (Poltekpel) in Aceh Besar, named Muhammad Rasya Fadhillah (18), passed away on Sunday afternoon (27/9) while undergoing the orientation stages organised by the educational institution.

A family member, Irwan, stated that before the victim’s death, the family received sudden news that Rasya had developed a fever after participating in the orientation for four days.

The news was received by the family on Saturday (26/9). Subsequently, the Poltekpel medical team informed the family that the victim had to be referred to the RSUD Zainoel Abidin Hospital in Banda Aceh due to his worsening condition. A few hours after being admitted to the hospital, Rasya was declared dead.

“After receiving an intravenous drip, his condition worsened, appearing like a drug allergy. His body swelled up,” Irwan told reporters in the early hours of Monday (28/9) at RSUD Zainoel Abidin.

Upon seeing the victim personally, the family claimed to have found unusual conditions on Rasya’s face. They suspect there were bruises or marks from an impact, raising suspicions that Rasya experienced violence during the orientation.

“When we looked, it did indeed look like someone had been hit, but certainly, we do not know for sure,” said Anwar.

According to Anwar, the family also attempted to seek explanations from several fellow cadets who were said to know about Rasya’s condition during the activities. However, he stated that no answers were obtained regarding the allegations of physical assault.

“When we asked his peers whether the victim was hit, they refused to answer,” he said.

The family has since linked these conditions to suspected violence experienced by Rasya during the orientation. However, these allegations have not yet been confirmed and require further medical examination and investigation.

“I am 100 per cent sure he was hit by his seniors,” said Anwar.

CNNIndonesia.com attempted to confirm with the Poltekpel Malahayati authorities, but has not yet received a response.

Police Investigation

The Head of Criminal Investigation at the Banda Aceh City Police, Kompol Miftahuda Dizha Fezuono, stated that the authorities are conducting an initial investigation into the student’s death.

Police have also visited the scene at the Poltekpel Malahayati campus in Mesjid Raya District, Aceh Besar, as well as the Emergency Department of RSUD Zainoel Abidin.

“The investigation is being conducted to complete the statements and ensure the sequence of events leading up to the victim’s death,” said Dizha on Monday (28/9).

To determine the cause of death, the police have coordinated with forensic doctors at RSUD Zainoel Abidin, and the body has undergone an external examination through a visum et repertum and a CT scan.

An autopsy was not performed as the family did not grant permission. Based on initial statements from the forensic doctor, Dizha noted that the victim is suspected to have died from illness, but the exact cause is still awaiting medical results.

“The victim has undergone an external examination through a visum et repertum and a CT scan. This examination is intended to help identify the victim’s physical condition, including checking for bruises or red rashes,” he added.