Jakarta. Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Diponegoro University (Undip), Yan Wisnu Prajoko, has confirmed cases of bullying and unofficial fees imposed on first-semester students in the anesthesiology program, which have been linked to the tragic suicide of a young doctor. The fees ranged from Rp 20 million ($1.297) to Rp 40 million per student per semester.

Dr. Aulia Risma Lestari, a 30-year-old doctor pursuing her anesthesiology specialization at Diponegoro University, was found dead in her studio flat. She had been managing patients at Kariadi General Hospital as part of her specialist training. Allegations suggest that Dr. Aulia took her own life due to severe bullying by senior students in the program.

Yan explained that first-year students were required to contribute financially to support their seniors during their specialist medical education (PPDS) at RSUP dr. Kariadi. Typically, the anesthesiology program admits around a dozen students each year.

Bullying: A Chronic Disease in Indonesia’s Medical Training

"In the first semester, each student is asked to contribute Rp 20 million to Rp 40 million. This money is used for shared consumption needs, but by the second semester, those in the first are no longer required to contribute, and so it rotates," Yan told Beritasatu.com on Friday.

In addition to food, these fees—contributed by the 7 to 11 first-semester students—were also used to cover the seniors' operational expenses, including vehicle rentals and accommodation costs.

Yan acknowledged that such fees do not exist at other programs in Undip’s Faculty of Medicine.

He emphasized that he does not approve of these unofficial fees, regardless of the justification, and considers the practice a form of bullying that should not occur.

Yan also welcomed oversight and feedback from all parties to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

"We seek guidance from everyone, including the public, so that we can run a dignified specialist medical education program that upholds academic values and benefits the nation. While some might rationalize the practice, outsiders may see it as 'extortion.' Bullying isn’t always physical—it can also appear through the operational demands placed on students," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the police have questioned 17 witnesses, including the victim’s friends, family members, and individuals from the Health Ministry and Education and Culture Ministry.

Central Java Police Public Relations Chief, Artanto, said that several pieces of evidence provided by the victim’s family, including order receipts and WhatsApp conversations involving the victim, are being examined.

The police are currently cross-checking data and witness statements. However, Artanto did not disclose the exact amount involved in the extortion.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis, please reach out to https://www.intothelightid.org/tentang-bunuh-diri/hotline-dan-konseling.