Health Minister saddened by suspected intern suicide, orders mental health screenings

Indonesia's Minister of Health, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has voiced deep concern and sadness following reports of a medical intern allegedly taking their own life in Kalibata, South Jakarta. The intern, identified by the initials SZM, was reportedly a participant in the Indonesian Doctor Internship Program (PIDI) at RS Sentar Medika in Depok, West Java.

"I am very sad, why is this internship like this. I was concerned before that no one else should die," Minister Budi stated on Monday, as quoted by detik.com. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the incident. This follows a previous case in Lampung, which the Ministry of Health's investigation found was due to the victim's illness, not bullying.

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I am very sad, why is this internship like this. I was concerned before that no one else should die.

In response to these tragic events, Minister Budi has mandated that all participants in the doctor internship program and the specialist education program (PPDS) undergo renewed mental health screenings. "So if there are indications, we can take action. This is the fastest way we can do it. Frankly, we are very sad," he added. The aim is to detect individuals at risk early and provide necessary support to prevent further tragedies.

The incident reportedly occurred when SZM allegedly jumped from the 18th floor of an apartment building in Kalibata on Sunday. According to the local police chief, the victim had refused an invitation from their mother to go to the mall, and the door was locked from the inside before the alleged jump. The investigation into the motive is ongoing.

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So if there are indications, we can take action. This is the fastest way we can do it. Frankly, we are very sad.