SMK Student in Samarinda Dies Suspected Due to Ill-Fitting Shoes, Minister PPPA Highlights DTSEN Issues

Jakarta, VIVA – Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Arifah Choiri Fauzi, has finally spoken out regarding the death of a student from SMK Negeri 4 Samarinda, initialled MRS (16). Mandala Rizky Saputra (MRS) was declared dead after suffering an infection in his foot. MRS’s foot became swollen, causing pain that spread throughout his body, leading to his death. Regarding this matter, Arifah highlighted issues with social data that ultimately impact access to educational assistance. According to her, the state must be actively present to ensure every child receives their rights, including the right to decent and safe education. Arifah stated that this case needs to be investigated to its roots, including aspects of population administration that could leave families unregistered in the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN). “This incident is a serious concern and therefore requires a comprehensive evaluation,” Arifah stressed, quoted on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. She explained that data issues can directly affect access to social assistance programmes such as the Family Hope Programme (PKH) and the Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP). “The Ministry of PPPA will coordinate with relevant Ministries/Institutions to ensure the accuracy of social protection programmes for children,” she said. According to Arifah, this case shows that there are still children who must struggle with limitations to obtain their right to education. “This case is heart-wrenching; there are still Indonesian children who must struggle with limitations to obtain their right to education. Amid the family’s distressing economic condition, young MRS still showed extraordinary spirit to continue schooling. That spirit reflects resilience in pursuing dreams despite various limitations, though it ended tragically,” she said. She emphasised that, besides handling the case, strengthening prevention systems is also important, including the role of local government and the community in ensuring no child is overlooked from protection. “Of course, we all hope such incidents do not happen again. Every Indonesian child must be able to access education without sacrificing their safety and health,” she concluded. As is known, a student from SMK Negeri 4 Samarinda, Mandala Rizky Saputra (16), passed away, and his story went viral on social media. He was said to have worn shoes that were too small, causing swelling in his foot. Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Education and Culture Office, Armin, explained that Mandala had previously participated in field work practice from 9 February to 20 March 2026 at Ramayana Robinson, Jalan M Yamin, Samarinda. After returning to school, his health condition began to decline. “On 30 March 2026, the student briefly returned to participate in learning activities, but on 1 April 2026, he was advised to rest and was sent home due to declining physical condition,” Armin said on Tuesday (5/5). On 2 April, Mandala did not attend school, and his parents sent a sick leave note. A few days later, on 8 April, the victim’s mother contacted the school via WhatsApp to request help with a loan. “On 10 (April 2026), the parents came to the school to report the student’s health condition and decline, considering it a non-medical issue, and the school facilitated a request for treatment costs in Tenggarong amounting to Rp1,100,000,” Armin said. The school also conducted a home visit on 21 April. At that time, the victim’s foot was reported as weak and swollen, but no wounds were found. The teacher advised taking him immediately to a health facility. During that meeting, the parents mentioned outstanding fees of Rp2.4 million. The school then helped facilitate BPJS processing through government assistance. A second visit was made on 23 April. At that time, the victim’s condition was reported to have improved somewhat, and the school planned to buy shoes in the correct size. However, the next day, 24 April, the school received news that Mandala had passed away. The school also accompanied the purification process until the burial. “Based on information gathered from the school, family, and related parties, the student’s health condition has been declining since the physical decline, dizziness, and foot swelling were known,” Armin said. He added that the school has provided accompaniment since the victim’s condition began to decline, including facilitating access to health services and coordinating with the family.