Kemenkes Ungkap Penyebab Meninggalnya Dokter Magang Myta: Tidak Diberi Libur di Jambi” (Alternative options if needed:) “Kematian Dokter Magang Myta: Kemenkes Temukan Penyebab di Balik Kelelahan Ekstrem” “Kasus Myta: Dokter Magang Tidak Diberi Libur, Ini Penjelasan Kemenkes

JAKARTA — The death of Dr. Myta Aprilia Azmy, a young medical intern from Sriwijaya University, has exposed systemic failures in Indonesia’s doctor residency programs, according to a scathing investigation by the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes). Myta, who died on May 1, 2026, after collapsing during her internship at Kuala Tungkal District Hospital in Jambi, was part of a cohort of interns who were denied rest days and worked excessive hours, officials confirmed Thursday.

In a press conference, Yuli Farianti, Director General of Health Human Resources at Kemenkes, revealed that interns at the hospital were never granted a single day off, working continuously from Saturday through Sunday—directly contradicting national regulations. “According to the rules, interns should have at least one day off per week,” Yuli stated. “But in Kuala Tungkal, there were no rest days at all.”

Myta and her peers were assigned ward visits on Sundays, despite this being their designated day off. “Even though their Sunday shifts were limited to 2-3 hours, they often ended up waiting for the Duty Physician or performing tasks that should have been the responsibility of senior doctors,” Yuli explained. The investigation found that interns were pressured to exceed their 40-hour weekly work limit, with a 20% overtime tolerance frequently exploited by supervising doctors under the guise of “achieving performance targets.”

“Supervisors would say, ‘This is to help you achieve your goals,’ and interns, fearing repercussions, would comply,” Yuli said. The Ministry has now announced it will eliminate the 20% overtime allowance entirely, enforcing a strict 40-hour workweek for all interns. Supervisors will also be held accountable for ensuring rest periods and fair workload distribution.

The tragedy underscores broader concerns about the mental and physical toll of Indonesia’s medical training system. Myta’s death, following a period of intensive care at Palembang’s Dr. Mohammad Hoesin Hospital, has prompted calls for immediate reforms. Kemenkes has pledged to overhaul internship policies, but the lack of clear oversight and enforcement mechanisms raises questions about whether systemic change will be sustained.

Analysts warn that without stronger regulatory measures and cultural shifts within hospitals, similar tragedies could occur. The Ministry’s response is a critical first step, but long-term solutions will require greater transparency, accountability and a commitment to protecting the well-being of future doctors.