September 9, 2025 | 12:40 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in the Netherlands has revealed the death of Indonesian student Muhammad Athaya Helmi Nasution, who passed away while accompanying Indonesian officials during a closed visit to Vienna, Austria.
Athaya, a member of the Indonesian Student Association in Groningen, had joined the delegation of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and Bank Indonesia between August 25–27, 2025. He was only weeks away from turning 19.
“The deceased passed away in the midst of his dedication as a student,” PPI Netherlands said in a written statement on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Cause of Death
According to a forensic autopsy, Athaya is believed to have suffered heatstroke caused by dehydration and poor nutrition intake, which led to electrolyte imbalance and dangerously low blood sugar levels. The condition triggered a stroke after he had been active as a guide from morning to night.
Athaya died on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. PPI Netherlands criticized the lack of response from the event organizer and liaison officer coordinator, who they said failed to show accountability or even extend condolences to the family.
“Instead of visiting the residence where Athaya drew his last breath, the official event continued as organizers focused on preparing a dinner for public officials,” the association said.
The family, who traveled to Vienna to manage his remains, also alleged there were attempts to obscure Athaya’s actual role during the trip.
Call for Protection and Accountability
PPI Netherlands warned that involving students in facilitating official visits exposes them to unsafe and exploitative situations. The association strongly rejected such practices unless supported by a formal contract, legal protection, and clear mechanisms.
They urged Indonesian students in the Netherlands not to accept requests to accompany officials, especially those arranged through personal networks or informal contacts, and asked that any such activities be reported to the student association.
“We demand accountability, transparency, and responsibility from the event organizer and the liaison coordinator. We also call on the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague and other embassies worldwide to stop involving students in official visits without formal coordination with student associations,” PPI Netherlands stated.
The group stressed that embassies must ensure the protection and safety of all Indonesian citizens abroad, including students.
“We urge cooperation from Indonesian Student Associations worldwide to remain vigilant and prevent students from being drawn into similar practices, so that no more lives are lost in the future,” they said.
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