TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) and the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) have urged the judges of the Pangkalpinang District Court to acquit pediatrician Ratna Setia Asih of negligence charges that led to a patient's death. Previously, Ratna, a physician at the Depati Hamzah Regional General Hospital (RSUD) in Pangkalpinang, faced a 4.6-year prison sentence.
The Chairperson of IDI, Slamet Budiarto, stated that Ratna’s ordeal constitutes the criminalization of the medical profession. He warned that an erroneous verdict by the bench could trigger a wave of solidarity among doctors across Indonesia. "The judges must decide this wisely. We hope for her acquittal," Slamet said during a press conference in Pangkalpinang on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
Slamet noted that they are still weighing the specific form of solidarity that Indonesian doctors will show for Ratna. It could range from mere expressions of concern to street demonstrations or a strike. "All of those options are on the table and might happen," he said.
According to Slamet, the case against Ratna is not a criminal offense because there is no evidence of malicious intent. The matter should have been resolved through the mechanisms of the Ethics Honorary Council and the Professional Disciplinary Council.
"There is no malicious intent or mens rea. Yet, the reality is that Dr. Ratna has been punished and made a defendant. The recommendation from the Professional Disciplinary Council (PDC) should not be the sole basis for elevating this case to P21 status. There are the Ethics Honorary Council and expert evaluations to consider before this matter ever goes to court," he added.
IDI maintains that the prosecutor's indictment is misplaced because Ratna's actions conformed strictly to professional standards. Doctors are legally permitted to provide treatment without being physically present, a practice that is heavily regulated.
"Almost all hospitals in Indonesia utilize an on-call system. There are doctors in the ER, on duty, and in the wards. This is sufficient because our physicians remain scarce. If this practice is not respected, we will be forced to resort to Defensive Medicine. Remember, doctors share an emotional bond with the public because they treat BPJS patients daily. We are deeply embedded in social service. But ultimately, this criminalization has occurred. It is very distressing for the medical community," he stated.
Pediatrician Dr. Ratna Setia Asih from RSUD Pangkalpinang (wearing an orange hijab) embraces her colleague after being sentenced to 4.6 years in prison for the criminal act of negligence causing a patient's death at the Pangkalpinang District Court, June 4, 2026. Tempo/Servio Maranda
Slamet also criticized lawmakers for what he deemed a lack of meticulousness in drafting articles that allow law enforcement officers to launch direct investigations. Consequently, IDI will urgently submit recommendations to the House of Representatives to amend the legislation.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of IDAI, Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, echoed the sentiment that Ratna's case represents criminalization, noting the absence of prior ethical or professional disciplinary tribunals. "The ethics and professional disciplinary hearings should be fully completed before any legal process begins. Instead, this trial has come out of order," he said.
Regarding her absence during the patient’s treatment, Piprim argued that it should not be questioned, given that the law explicitly recognizes telemedicine and consultations via telephone or video calls.
"We are well-acquainted with the concept of hierarchical referrals. There are doctors on duty in the ER and the wards, while specialists on holidays can answer consultations over the phone or through video calls. This constitutes a legitimate form of telemedicine and is recognized by law," he said.
Slamet and Piprim both emphasized that the covenant between a patient and a doctor centers on the commitment to provide medical care. "It is an agreement of maximum effort," he said.
Piprim explained that a flawed judicial decision could prompt a shift toward a "Defensive Medicine" approach among all doctors, severely disrupting public healthcare. Physicians would fear suffering the same fate as Ratna whenever they are contacted to assist in a patient's treatment. "This is a greater danger to the public. 'Defensive Medicine' is detrimental to the community itself. So, we urge law enforcers and judges to deliver a clear, just decision on this matter," he stated.
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