Minister Abdul Mu'ti Expresses Condolences Over Death of SMK Student in Samarinda

Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Abdul Mu’ti has expressed condolences over the death of Mandala Rizky Saputra, a student at SMK Negeri 4 Samarinda. “The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education extends its deepest sympathies over the passing of Mandala Rizky Saputra. May all his sins be forgiven and may he be placed in paradise. May the family he leaves behind be granted patience,” Mu’ti said on Monday evening, 5 May 2026.

Mu’ti hopes that similar incidents will not recur in the future. He stressed the importance of good communication between schools and relevant parties, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. “May similar problems not occur in the future through good communication between schools and relevant parties, including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education,” he stated.

Previously, various media reported that Mandala Rizky Saputra died because he could not afford shoes. However, the local education authority denied the alleged cause of Mandala’s death.

The Head of the East Kalimantan Provincial Education Quality Assurance Agency stated that Mandala’s death was not caused by tight shoes leading to an infection in his foot. “There was no wound at all. I asked his parents, there was absolutely no wound, not even a scratch,” he said when contacted on Monday, 4 May 2026.

Jarwoko explained that Mandala had previously complained of pain in his foot, waist, and chest. However, due to his family’s difficult economic situation, Mandala did not want to worry his parents. He covered up his pain by saying his foot hurt because of the tight shoes he was wearing.

“In fact, the tightness was due to fluid swelling descending to the foot,” said Jarwoko. Based on his team’s investigation, the deceased’s mother sells cakes for a living. Meanwhile, his biological father had passed away. “His mother has remarried. We do not yet know the stepfather’s occupation,” he added.

The East Kalimantan Education Office revealed the chronology of Mandala’s illness until he breathed his last. Mandala, an 11th-grade student, had participated in a work-based learning programme (PKL) at a shopping centre in Samarinda from 9 February to 20 March 2026. After that, he returned to classes on 30 March, but two days later was advised to rest due to declining physical condition.

From early April, the student no longer attended school. The family submitted a sick leave note, accompanied by information on his deteriorating health. Subsequently, the family also applied for a school loan to cover medical costs.

On 10 April, the parents came to the school and reported the child’s worsening condition. The school then helped facilitate medical expenses amounting to Rp 1.1 million.

The school also conducted a home visit on 21 April. At that time, the student was reported to be weak with swelling in his feet, but without open wounds. The teacher advised that the student be taken to a health facility immediately.

During that visit, the parents also mentioned outstanding medical bills of Rp 2.4 million. The school then assisted in arranging BPJS health insurance through coordination with the local neighbourhood head.

A second visit was made on 23 April 2026. The family stated that the student’s condition had temporarily improved and the foot swelling had reduced. The school even planned to buy new shoes in the student’s size.

However, the next day, 24 April 2026, the school received news that Mandala had passed away. The school accompanied the family through the preparation and burial process.