Athlete deaths during Porprov XVII in Central Java

During the XVII Central Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov Jateng 2026) in Semarang, two athletes died following separate incidents.

Syabilla Rizkia Putri Raharja, a diver from Jepara, passed away on October 25 during an open water finswimming event at Awann Costa. Prior to her death, she had won two gold medals in the women’s 100 meter and 200 meter bifins events. The Jepara Regional Sports Committee requested that athletes wear black ribbons to honor her.

Ayudiah Rivana Tridiandinita, a 19-year-old pencak silat athlete from Semarang, died on October 28 after undergoing surgery for a finger injury sustained during a match. While she was reportedly conscious following the procedure, she passed away the next morning. Police are investigating the circumstances of her death.

In response to these fatalities, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir called for a comprehensive overhaul of athlete protection and safety systems, stating that such deaths cannot be treated as ordinary occurrences. NOC Indonesia President Raja Sapta Oktohari also called for the incidents to serve as momentum for evaluation, emphasizing that athlete safety must be a fundamental priority.

Regarding Ayudiah Rivana Tridiandinita, Semarang Police are planning to request an exhumation from the family to determine the exact cause of death. While hospital officials stated that the minor surgery followed standard operating procedures, preliminary investigations suggested a possible undetected blood vessel blockage. Police have interviewed 12 witnesses, including doctors and hospital leadership, to clarify contributing factors.