Jessica Tunardjo's Depression After Repeated Thesis Cancellations Prompts University Action

A student of the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Nusa Cendana (Undana) in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur, experienced severe depression and panic attacks after her thesis proposal exam was cancelled up to twelve times and a sudden change of examiner was imposed. She was taken to Wira Sakti Hospital for treatment.

University officials, including Rector Prof. Jefri S. Bale, Vice‑Rector Rudi Rohi and Dean Apris Adu, visited her in the hospital, offered moral support and pledged that the university would safeguard her academic rights. The administration said it would review the examination procedures and coordinate with the faculty to prevent similar incidents.

The case highlights concerns over student mental health and academic process management at the Indonesian university.