Indonesia’s sporting community has been left mourning the sudden death of a 19-year-old pencak silat athlete who died just hours after undergoing surgery for an injured middle finger.
Ayudiah Rivana Tridiandinita passed away on Wednesday, Oct 28, at Primaya Hospital in Semarang, Indonesia, prompting police to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to Detik, she had been admitted to the hospital after sustaining an injury while competing at the 2026 Central Java Regional Games.
The incident occurred on Oct 26 during the women’s 45kg to 50kg quarter-final, where Ayudiah represented Semarang against an opponent from Batang Regency.
While attempting to block a kick with her hand, she injured her middle finger, forcing the referee to stop the match so medical personnel could provide initial treatment.
Her coach, Nurfaqih, initially said the finger had been dislocated, while an initial X-ray examination showed no signs of a fracture. However, the hospital and organisers later described the injury as a broken middle finger.
Ayudiah was subsequently transferred to nearby Primaya Hospital after doctors determined that surgery was necessary.
Hospital director Dr Aditya Nugraha said the procedure, which took place at around 6pm on Tuesday, was not a major operation and had proceeded smoothly.
According to Antara, Ayudiah was fully conscious before being transferred to the recovery room.
At around 7.30pm, her family informed the coaching team that the surgery had been completed without complications.
Medical staff administered medication to her at 11pm, while hospital records showed that she was asleep and breathing normally at 3am on Wednesday.
However, the situation took a tragic turn when medical staff returned to wake her at around 5.30am.
Ayudiah was found unconscious, with no heartbeat or signs of breathing.
As of Thursday, Semarang police confirmed that they were working with doctors at Primaya Hospital to establish the cause of her death.
Her family reportedly declined to give permission for a post-mortem examination. Police are therefore focusing on statements from the medical team and a review of her hospital treatment records.
The Central Java National Sports Committee (KONI) has also expressed support for the investigation and pledged its full cooperation.
Ayudiah’s death marks the second fatality involving an athlete at the 2026 Central Java Regional Games.
Earlier, diver Syabilla Rizkia Putri from Jepara Regency reportedly died while competing in an event on Oct 25.
According to Voice of Indonesia, Syabilla became exhausted before drowning, based on information provided by the organisers and medical team.
