Aceh – Indonesia, Muhammad Rasya Fadilla (18), a student at Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic (Poltekpel) Aceh, passed away after suffering from a high fever, sore throat, and a red rash all over his body. The student, who originated from Lhokseumawe City, was pronounced dead at Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA) Banda Aceh on Sunday afternoon (27/9/2026).
Rasya was a student in the Diploma III (D-III) Nautical Studies program. Before being referred to RSUDZA, the victim had received treatment at the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic Clinic in Mesjid Raya Subdistrict, Aceh Besar Regency.
Banda Aceh Police Chief Senior Commissioner Teguh Priyambodo Nugroho, speaking through Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Police Commissioner Miftahuda Dizha Fezuono, stated that police have launched an initial investigation into the student’s death.
Investigators visited the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic campus as well as the Emergency Unit (IGD) at RSUDZA to gather information regarding the victim’s condition and the sequence of events prior to his death.
“Based on initial accounts, the victim previously experienced a fever and sore throat, then underwent treatment at the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic clinic before being referred to RSUDZA,” said Police Commissioner Dizha.
According to the chronology gathered by police, the victim visited the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic Clinic on Saturday (26/9/2026) at around 4:21 PM WIB.
At the time, the victim complained of fever and a sore throat. Examination results showed his blood pressure was 131/74 mmHg, his pulse was 104 beats per minute, and his body temperature reached 39.7 degrees Celsius.
The victim subsequently received medical treatment, including an IV drip and oral medication to relieve his symptoms.
However, on Sunday (27/9/2026) at around 10:17 AM WIB, a red rash appeared on the victim’s body.
Medical staff then kept him under observation. As the rash reportedly spread further, the victim was referred to RSUDZA Banda Aceh at around 12:13 PM WIB, accompanied by a medical team from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic Clinic.
“Upon arrival at RSUDZA, the victim received medical treatment. However, at 4:14 PM WIB, he was declared dead,” Dizha said.
Cause of Death Awaits Examination
Police have not yet concluded the exact cause of death. To determine the victim’s condition, investigators have coordinated with RSUDZA forensic doctors.
The victim underwent an external examination through a post-mortem report (visum et repertum) and a post-mortem CT scan. These examinations were conducted to evaluate the condition of the victim’s body, including inspecting for any bruises or red rashes.
However, an autopsy was not performed as the family did not grant permission.
“Based on statement from forensic doctor, dr. Taufik, the preliminary suspicion is that the victim died due to illness,” said Police Commissioner Dizha.
Nevertheless, police emphasized that the definitive cause of death still awaits full medical and forensic examination results.
The family has received an initial explanation from the forensic doctor and is waiting for the complete visum et repertum and CT scan results. The post-mortem report is expected within seven days, while the CT scan results are expected on Monday (28/9/2026).
Police Question Witnesses
Banda Aceh Police confirmed that the investigation will continue to obtain a complete picture of the victim’s condition from the moment he experienced health complaints until his death.
Investigators will coordinate with RSUDZA regarding the forensic examination and CT scan findings. Police will also take statements from Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic officials and several witnesses who were aware of the victim’s condition before he was referred to the hospital.
“The investigation is being conducted to complete the statements and ensure the full sequence of events prior to the victim’s death,” Dizha added.
Before being referred to RSUDZA, the victim lived in Cut Nyak Dhien Dormitory, Room C-201, at Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic. He shared the room with five other students: Faizan Wahid Surahman Simanjuntak, Khairul Hartanwi, Dimas Syahputra, Putra Joshua Lubis, and Ghazi Rabbani Hibatullah Prabu.
After the initial examination was completed, Muhammad Rasya Fadilla’s body was handed over to his family to be transported to Lhokseumawe City for burial.
As of the publication of this news, the exact cause of the student’s death remains pending the outcome of the forensic examination and CT scan from RSUDZA.