Rakyat Aceh | Jakarta — Aceh Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) member H. Sudirman, popularly known as Haji Uma, has called on law enforcement agencies and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of AZ (15), a female student at MTsN 5 Takengon from Suka Ramai, Bener Meriah Regency.
The member of DPD RI’s Committee I—which oversees politics, law, and security—and Deputy Chair of PURT DPD RI emphasized that any discipline within madrasah environments must be proportional and never jeopardize student safety.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family of the late AZ. We demand a full, transparent, and objective investigation into this case. The cause of death must be clearly established both medically and legally,” Haji Uma stated on Sunday (September 27, 2026).
According to preliminary information, AZ passed away on Thursday (September 24, 2026), after attending classes at the madrasah. The victim was reportedly punished by a teacher for failing to complete homework.
Out of approximately 30 students in the class, only a portion had completed the assignment. After undergoing the punishment, the victim reportedly suffered seizures and was brought to the school clinic (UKS) before receiving treatment at the Bebesen District Health Center.
As her condition required further medical attention, she was subsequently referred to Datu Beru Regional General Hospital (RSUD Datu Beru). Tragically, her life could not be saved.
Head of the Central Aceh Ministry of Religious Affairs Office, Wahdi, confirmed the incident.
He stated that the Kute Panang Sector Police had launched an investigation into the matter. Haji Uma also highlighted circulating reports regarding the specific form of punishment administered to the victim, urging that all information be verified through an objective examination.
“Based on field reports we received, the victim was allegedly ordered to perform squats. This is a developing issue that must be thoroughly investigated. Whether squatting occurred, for how long, and whether there was any pre-existing medical history—everything must be examined. Nothing should be covered up,” he stressed.
According to Haji Uma, official medical findings are crucial to determining the exact cause of death. Therefore, he urged that post-mortem results (visum) and medical records from RSUD Datu Beru be transparently examined by the victim’s family and investigators in accordance with applicable regulations.
“If negligence or excessive punishment is proven, strict action must be taken according to the law. The education sector must remain a safe environment for our children,” Haji Uma concluded. (rao)