Student dies after physical training

BANDUNG: Bandung Police will investigate the death of a freshman at Parahyangan University in Bandung, who reportedly died due to excessive physical training during campus guard (Menwa) training on the campus starting July 12.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Siswadi told The Jakarta Post on Sunday that an investigation would commence despite the fact that the victim's parents had not yet reported the matter to the police.

"I've heard about the student's death. In my opinion the university has tried to cover up the case."

He said the police would question people believed to know about the death of Herik Tanuwijaya, 18.

Herik, a student of the economics school, died last Friday at Borromeus Hospital in Bandung after being treated since Aug. 14. The Menwa training is scheduled to end on Aug. 28.

Rully Rusli, an internist who had treated Herik at Borromeus, confirmed that Herik died from excessive strain on his body.

Herik had suffered from organ failure, including his lungs and kidneys.

Quoting Herik's parents, Rully said that Herik's health records had been good.

The university has yet to clarify the case.

Two rector's assistants, Yohanes Gunawan and Fx. Budi Widodo, were not available on Sunday when the Post tried to contact them for clarification.

Rully said that the hospital would review the laboratory results of Herik's health on Monday. (25/sur)