Aceh – Indonesia, Director of Malahayati Maritime Academy (Poltekpel) Banda Aceh, Andi Fiardi, expressed his deep condolences over the passing of cadet candidate Muhammad Rasya Fadhillah at Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
“On behalf of myself and the entire extended family of Poltekpel Malahayati, we convey our deepest apologies to the family for this tragedy and loss,” said Andi Fiardi on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Andi Fiardi explained that Muhammad Rasya Fadhillah (18) was a cadet candidate in the Ship Electrical System (SKK) Study Program from the 2026 independent admission selection program, who had participated in character-building orientation activities from September 4 to 14, 2026.
The orientation included campus introduction material, public lectures from government agencies, and marching drills involving 251 cadet candidates. Since September 14, 2026, Fadhillah had been participating in classroom learning processes as well as various routine campus activities.
“We must also emphasize that the orientation activities were neither designed nor executed to lead to any form of violence. Likewise, routine activities on campus do not involve interactions between seniors and juniors as an effort to prevent potential bullying,” said Andi.
Andi stated that they had attempted to provide treatment according to procedure to Rasya ever since he fell ill on Saturday, September 26, 2026, complaining of a fever.
He also shared that during the initial treatment provided by doctors and medical personnel at the Poltekpel Malahayati Clinic, rashes or spots appeared on his body and continued to increase.
Because his condition did not improve, he was subsequently referred to Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh for laboratory examinations and further emergency room care. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 4:14 PM WIB, the young man’s condition reportedly dropped suddenly, and Rasya was subsequently pronounced dead.
Andi stated that his party had escorted and managed the funeral process according to applicable procedures at Poltekpel Malahayati.
“Although the late Fadhillah was still a cadet candidate, to us he was already part of the extended family of Poltekpel Malahayati,” he said.
He also addressed the alleged cause of death. Andi Fiardi urged all parties not to speculate and to allow room for the examination process to proceed objectively, as well as to await official statements from the competent authorities.
“The police, in this case the Banda Aceh Police Headquarters, are actively handling this case,” he said.
Poltekpel Malahayati also asserted that preliminary investigations revealed no indications of violence.
So far, Poltekpel Malahayati has conducted an internal inquiry, reviewed relevant documents and recordings, and coordinated with the hospital to ensure the readiness of necessary data and statements for the investigation and examination processes.
Poltekpel Malahayati is committed to remaining open, transparent, and cooperative. If the investigation reveals any disciplinary violations or acts of violence by any party, Poltekpel Malahayati will support legal processing in accordance with applicable regulations.
“We ask all parties to give space for the medical examination and investigation process to proceed objectively. Further developments will be communicated through official channels based on verified information,” said Andi Fiardi.***