Supreme Court Rejects Taufik Eko's Appeal in Undip Doctor Extortion Case; Health Ministry Stresses Importance of Oversight
The Ministry of Health has responded to the Supreme Court’s decision to reject the cassation petition filed by defendant Taufik Eko Nugroho in the extortion case within the Specialist Doctor Education Programme (PPDS) at Diponegoro University (Undip). Through this ruling, Taufik Eko’s legal status now holds final and binding force. Head of the Bureau of Communication and Public Information, Aji Muhawarman, stressed the importance of oversight in the administration of medical education to prevent practices of intimidation, bullying, or abuse of authority within the healthcare workforce. “We will continue to evaluate the medical education system, particularly the residency programme, to ensure protection for all students from any form of reprehensible practices,” Aji stated in a written release on Thursday (14/5/2026). The Ministry of Health also appreciated the legal process that has proceeded to finality. “We support law enforcement efforts to create a safe, professional, and integrity-based environment in education and healthcare services,” Aji said. Aji further commended the Central Java Provincial Police and the Central Java High Prosecutor’s Office for handling the case. “We extend our thanks to the police, prosecutors, and all law enforcement officials who have followed up on this case in accordance with applicable provisions,” he remarked. Previously, the Supreme Court in its decision number 359 K/Pid/2026 declared the rejection of the cassation petition and imposed the costs of the case. With this verdict, Taufik Eko must still serve a four-year prison sentence. Taufik Eko Nugroho was ensnared in a case of extortion and alleged bullying within the Anaesthesiology PPDS at Diponegoro University. He is a lecturer and former Head of the Anaesthesiology PPDS Study Programme at the university. During the investigation, practices of extortion against PPDS participants in the medical education environment were uncovered.