The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) of the Bangka Belitung Islands Region has officially issued a joint statement of attitude emphasizing the importance of legal protection for healthcare workers. This step was taken to prevent criminalization against the medical profession, which is currently striving to carry out their humanitarian service.
The statement of attitude, numbered 71/IDI.WIL.BABEL/VIII/2026, was released during a press conference in Pangkalpinang on Saturday night (1/8/2026). This stance is a response to the Pangkalpinang District Court's decision that acquitted dr. Ratna of all criminal charges on July 20. The Babel IDI expressed its highest appreciation to the panel of judges for the fair verdict that restored the rights and dignity of their colleague.
The Chairman of IDI Bangka Belitung, dr. Arinal Pahlevy, emphasized that the public and law enforcement officials need to understand the fundamental nature of the medical profession. According to him, medical interventions operate within the scope of scientific probability, which is full of uncertainty. A doctor only guarantees the best effort based on service standards and the patient's condition, not a certainty of the final result.
In the appeal, IDI Babel highlighted three crucial points. First, the characteristics of medical services carry inherent risks that cannot be equated with other lines of work. Second, the occurrence of complications or the worsening of a patient's condition must not immediately be judged as criminal negligence without proof of a violation of standard operating procedures.
The third point urges the state and society to provide adequate work safety guarantees for all healthcare workers. This guarantee of legal protection is considered vital so that doctors can provide the best medical care without being overshadowed by the fear of intimidation or groundless criminalization.
