Social Affairs Minister's Response to Death of Samarinda Vocational Student Who Complained About Tight Shoes

They might have issues with shoes and other things that aren’t immediately visible to us. With more accurate data, we can reach them,” said Gus Ipul at the Ministry of Social Affairs building in Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Gus Ipul emphasised that President Prabowo Subianto has from the outset asked the Ministry of Social Affairs to sharpen data on children from families needing government assistance. Collaboration with local governments is also necessary. “The key here is data. And we need to work with local governments. It’s impossible for Jakarta to reach all areas in Indonesia. So we collaborate with local governments,” he stated. Gus Ipul also explained the Social Welfare Centre (Puskesos) programme in villages. Puskesos is expected to accommodate community complaints. “Social Welfare Centre. This is hoped to be a place to accommodate all complaints, all aspirations, and perhaps the needs of families in the village. If we can accommodate them, reach them, and obtain data, we can certainly provide assistance,” he revealed. The vocational student was named Mandala Rizky Syaputra. The sad news went viral on social media because Mandala had previously complained about wearing shoes that were too small. The school stated that Mandala had received attention from his class guardian since Year 10. According to the school, assistance was given to Mandala in the form of departmental uniforms, school supplies, staple foods, and even rent money. “Since Year 10, Mandala has received attention from the class guardian at that time. Assistance in the form of departmental uniforms and school supplies has been given. In addition, staple food assistance is often provided, and even if there are issues with rent money, help is requested,” wrote SMK 4 Samarinda on its Instagram account as quoted on Tuesday (5/5). On 1 April, Mandala was still attending lessons but with a pale face. The Civic Education teacher at that time, according to the school, suggested Mandala rest at home. Since then, Mandala never attended lessons again. His mother, according to the school, then came to the school asking for help with Rp 1,100,000 for Mandala’s medical costs. Then, on 20 April, the school received a message containing a picture of Mandala’s swollen foot via WhatsApp. The next day, the school received news that the swelling on Mandala’s foot had started to subside. The school, class guardian, and friends were going to give Mandala new shoes. However, on 24 April, the school received the sad news that Mandala had passed away. “Friday, 24 April 2026, before all the aid plans could be implemented, sad news arrived. Early Friday morning, Mandala’s brother informed the class guardian and deputy principal for student affairs via WhatsApp that Mandala had passed away. His brother also informed that there were no funds for the funeral,” it wrote.