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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Doctors in Babel Face Criminal Charges, IDI and IDAI Threaten Strike

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified In the courts
  • Indonesian doctors' associations IDI and IDAI are demanding the acquittal of Dr. Ratna Setia Asih, who faces charges of negligence causing a patient's death.
  • IDI warns that a wrong judicial decision could trigger solidarity actions, including potential work stoppages, among doctors nationwide.
  • The associations argue that Dr. Ratna followed professional standards and that her case should have been resolved through ethical and disciplinary committees, not criminal prosecution.

The Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) are calling for the acquittal of Dr. Ratna Setia Asih, a physician at RSUD Depati Hamzah in Pangkalpinang, who faces charges of negligence resulting in a patient's death. Prosecutors are seeking a 4.6-year prison sentence for Dr. Ratna.

Judges must be truly wise in deciding this. We hope for freedom.

— Slamet BudiartoThe Chairman of IDI expressing hope for Dr. Ratna Setia Asih's acquittal.

IDI Chairman Slamet Budiarto described the case as a "criminalization of the medical profession." He urged the court to make a wise decision, stating, "We hope for freedom." Budiarto indicated that IDI is considering various forms of solidarity, which could include demonstrations or even a work stoppage, to support Dr. Ratna.

IDI contends that Dr. Ratna had no malicious intent and that the case should have been handled through the existing ethical and professional disciplinary mechanisms. "There was no malicious intent or mens rea. But the fact is Dr. Ratna is being criminalized and has become a defendant," Slamet explained. He added that recommendations from the Professional Disciplinary Council are not the sole basis for elevating a case to criminal proceedings.

There was no malicious intent or mens rea. But the fact is Dr. Ratna is being criminalized and has become a defendant. Recommendations from the Professional Disciplinary Council are not the sole basis for elevating a case to criminal proceedings.

— Slamet BudiartoIDI's argument that the case against Dr. Ratna is unfounded and mishandled.

Furthermore, IDI argues that Dr. Ratna acted in accordance with professional standards, including the practice of 'on-call' doctors, which is common in Indonesian hospitals due to a shortage of medical personnel. IDAI Chairman Piprim Basarah Yanuarso echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that ethical and disciplinary proceedings should precede any criminal investigation. "Ethical and professional disciplinary hearings should be completed first, then the legal process," he stated.

Ethical and professional disciplinary hearings should be completed first, then the legal process.

— Piprim Basarah YanuarsoThe Chairman of IDAI emphasizing the proper procedure for handling medical malpractice cases.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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