Student Death Over Tight Shoes Sparks Concern Over Social Aid Data
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| Student death caused by tight shoes in Samarinda raises serious concerns about inaccurate social aid data and pushes officials to review the system. |
Samarinda – What started as a tragic story about a student has now turned into a bigger conversation about how social aid is managed in the city.
A member of the Samarinda City Council, Ismail Latisi, says this incident isn’t just an unfortunate event—it’s a sign that something is off with how social assistance data is being handled.
Ismail Latisi made it clear that the government can’t afford to miss cases like this again. According to Ismail Latisi, the Social Affairs Office needs to step up immediately by updating and verifying the data of aid recipients.
The case involves Mandala Rizky Syahputra, a 16-year-old student from SMK Negeri 4 Samarinda. Mandala Rizky Syahputra passed away early Friday morning, April 24, 2026.
Reports say the cause was a serious infection in the foot. The condition developed after Mandala Rizky Syahputra kept wearing school shoes that were way too small. The shoes were size 40, while the actual foot size was 44.
Due to financial struggles, Mandala Rizky Syahputra didn’t have another option and kept using the same shoes.
Things got worse during an internship as a store assistant at a shopping center in Samarinda. The job required long hours of standing, with very little time to rest.
Ismail Latisi pointed out that this situation shows a gap in field verification. When data isn’t accurate, people who really need help can easily fall through the cracks.
What makes it even more concerning is the fact that Mandala Rizky Syahputra’s family was never listed as a social aid recipient.
Ismail Latisi stressed that this should be a wake-up call. Even though vocational schools fall under the provincial government, the city government still has responsibility when it comes to residents’ welfare.
Ismail Latisi is now pushing for a full evaluation of the social aid system, especially in how data is collected and verified on the ground.
FAQ
1. What caused Mandala Rizky Syahputra’s death?
A severe foot infection caused by wearing shoes that were too tight for a long period.
2. Why didn’t Mandala get new shoes?
Financial limitations forced Mandala Rizky Syahputra to keep using shoes that no longer fit.
3. Why is this case linked to social aid?
The family was not registered as social aid recipients, raising concerns about data accuracy.
4. What is DPRD criticizing?
They’re highlighting weak data collection and verification in social aid programs.
5. What actions are being suggested?
Immediate data validation and better on-the-ground verification.