Woman from Malang Dies in Australia, Family Struggles to Repatriate the Body

Kapanlagi.com - Woman from Malang, Armitha Seha Safitri (30) passed away in Australia after previously being in a coma and receiving treatment at the hospital. The deceased was involved in a severe accident, after the car she was riding in was hit by another vehicle on Highway Wynarka, South Australia.

Unfortunately, the body of the deceased cannot be repatriated to her hometown in the near future. This is because the cost of repatriating the body from the Land Down Under is quite large and difficult to fulfill by the family.

"We can only surrender. Like we don't know what to do anymore," said Robi Yahya Bahtiar, the deceased's younger sibling, on Thursday (13/7).

1. Involved in an Accident

Mitha, as she was affectionately called, was involved in a serious accident on Friday (7/7) on Highway Wynarka, South Australia. Local police stated that Mitha's vehicle was rear-ended by another car driven by an elderly man.

Mitha suffered serious injuries as a result of the incident and was rushed to Flinders Medical Center. Medical professionals were already pessimistic that her life could be saved.

2. Kidneys Still Functioning

Almost 90 percent of her organs were declared dead, with only her kidneys still functioning. Her heart also stopped several times, so doctors could only provide heart therapy, although their efforts were in vain. Mitha was in a coma for 4 days and was pronounced dead on Tuesday (11/7).

Mitha herself held a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) and had been working part-time in Australia since September 2022. Mitha pursued her dream, which she had desired since studying at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Brawijaya University (UB) in Malang, to work and live abroad.

3. Journey to Sydney

At the time of the incident, Mitha was on her way to Sydney. She had just gotten a new job there after resigning from the plantation industry in Adelaide, South Australia. However, bad luck struck her during the journey.

"My sister had just received a visa extension for 3 years. She also promised the family to come back this year," said Robi.

4. Difficulties in Repatriating the Body

Robi had actually planned to follow his sister to work in Australia. However, the incident made him cancel his trip. Robi felt uncertain if his fate would be like his sister's, whose body is now having difficulties being repatriated. In pursuing his dreams, Armitha has tried repeatedly, but only succeeded 10 months ago.

"She used to participate in a student exchange program to Japan, but there was no funding. She also took Korean language lessons. Her dream only came true in September 2022, but now it's like this," he recalled.

5. There is a Recommendation

Actually, the family was recommended to go to Australia by the doctor who treated the deceased. At that time, Mitha was predicted to only have a 48-hour chance of survival.

However, the Indonesian Consulate General in Australia could only assist with visa processing, while the family did not have enough funds to travel there. This was because the family could not accompany the deceased during their return.

6. Hoping for Assistance from the Indonesian Consulate General

The family of the deceased in Malang is currently waiting for the arrival of the body from the land of Kangaroo. However, the family is still confused about the large amount of expenses needed in a short period of time.

Robi mentioned that the family feels helpless about this news. Regardless, it is impossible to obtain all the funds needed in a short time.

Now, the family can only hope for assistance from the government and the Indonesian Consulate General to repatriate Armitha's body.

7. Immigrants in Australia Raise Funds

Mitha's immigrant friends in Australia have taken the initiative to raise funds to repatriate her body to Indonesia. Information from the hospital states that the cost of repatriating the body to Indonesia is Rp 110 million or $100,000.

Two Indonesian immigrant communities in Australia, Indo Peduli Adelaide and the Indonesian Muslim Society of South Australia (MIIAS), have opened donations for Mitha. The latest information shows that AUS$7,500 has been collected.

The family apologizes and extends heartfelt thanks to the immigrant friends and donors who are willing to sacrifice to help the victim.

(kpl/DAR/dyn)