A poignant atmosphere marked the start of classes at the Faculty of Economics and Business at Gadjah Mada University (FEB UGM). Sebastian Hutabarat and Imelda Tiurniari Napitupulu attended a class on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in place of their beloved daughter, Marchia R.M. Hutabarat, who passed away on June 17, 2024.
Marchia was a newly admitted student in the Management Study Program, Class of 2024. The girl from Sangkar Nihuta, Balige, Toba, North Sumatra, tragically passed away due to illness before she could experience the excitement of new student orientation or even her first class.
Sebastian, his wife, and their eldest daughter attended the lecture to briefly experience what Marchia would have, creating a moving moment during the morning class. Sebastian’s voice trembled as he was allowed to share his daughter’s story. His eyes welled up with tears as he introduced himself and his family. Several times, he caught his breath and wiped away his tears.
“I imagine Marchia is sitting among you,” he said, sobbing. Sebastian described Marchia, born in 2006, as an intelligent and accomplished young woman. His daughter was always one of the top students in her class. Because of her achievements, Marchia was accepted to UGM through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) program.
He never expected to be separated from his daughter so soon. The loss he felt was profound because he thought he hadn’t been there for her every moment of her life.
“That was when my wife called me. She said, ‘Don’t be shocked, but Marchia has died. My emotions were in turmoil because I was far away in Balige while Marchia was in Yogyakarta,” he explained.
“I imagine Marchia is sitting among you,” he said, sobbing.
Sebastian described Marchia, born in 2006, as an intelligent and bright young woman. His daughter was always one of the top students in her class. Because of her achievements, Marchia was accepted to UGM through the National Selection Based on Achievement (SNBP) program.
He never expected to be separated from his daughter so soon. The loss he felt was profound, as he thought he hadn’t been there for Marchia throughout her life.
“That was when my wife called me. She said, ‘Don’t be shocked, but Marchia has passed away. My emotions were in turmoil because I was far away in Balige while Marchia was in Yogyakarta,” he explained.
Passing away from sudden cardiac arrest
Fighting back tears, Imelda recounted the events that led to her daughter’s death. Since June 2024, she and Marchia, accompanied by their eldest daughter Nada, who was already studying at ISI Yogyakarta, had been in Yogyakarta preparing for the start of the academic year, including finding a boarding house. They even took the time to visit the FEB UGM campus.
“Marchia took a picture in front of the Pertamina Tower building. She said the campus was awesome, but she felt a little intimidated,” she recalls.
Imelda planned a small celebration to celebrate her daughter’s success. She invited her two daughters to visit Nepal Van Java in Magelang. Everything seemed to be going well, with no complaints from her youngest daughter. But when they arrived at their accommodation, something unexpected happened.
“When we arrived at the accommodation, Marchia said she was going to take a shower. After more than 30 minutes, she still hadn’t come out. I knocked on the door, but there was no answer. Finally, I opened the door, and Marchia was unconscious,” she said.
At first, she thought her daughter was joking. But when she tried to wake her up, and there was no response, she immediately administered first aid and rushed her to the nearest healthcare facility, 15 kilometers from the accommodation.
“At that time, the nearest facility was a community health center (Puskesmas), but it was quiet because of the Eid al-Adha holiday. When we arrived, I already felt that Marchia was gone, and it turned out to be true,” she said.
Although it was difficult, she had to accept the reality. Still, she was grateful to be with her daughter in her last moments.
Sebastian continued his wife’s story about Marchia’s character. His daughter was enthusiastic and determined to achieve her dreams, including getting into UGM. Marchia had a habit of studying late into the night and sometimes neglected her eating habits, which led to her developing gastritis.
“Let Marchia’s experience teach you to be more grateful and caring. I hope this will serve as a reflection for you to make good use of your time and not to neglect your eating habits. Live a healthy lifestyle,” he advised.
Tears could be heard in the classroom as some new students were moved to tears by Marchia’s story. Even the class’s lecturer, Rina Herani, S.E., M.Sc., couldn’t hold back her tears, her voice shaking as she shared that Marchia’s story reminded the students to use their time well.
“Make every second count while you’re in college. It’s an extraordinary privilege to study here because not everyone has that opportunity, so don’t waste your chance,” she said.
FEB Expresses Condolences
In a separate interview, FEB UGM Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Bayu Sutikno, S.E., M.S.M., Ph.D., expressed the deepest condolences of the entire FEB UGM community, including the 605 new students, faculty, and academic community on the passing of Marchia Hutabarat. The presence of Marchia’s parents during the first week of classes evoked a profound sense of loss but also demonstrated the commitment and spirit to motivate her peers to make the most of the opportunity to study at FEB UGM.
“The fact that she was accepted into UGM through the SNBP program shows her outstanding achievement and strong determination from Balige, North Sumatra, to pursue an education in Yogyakarta,” he said. Bayu said Marchia’s passing due to illness reminds students always to be grateful for the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in Indonesia. Marchia’s passing also reminds students to care for their health and honor their parents’ commitment.
“Farewell, Marchia. Your spirit and determination will always inspire us!” Bayu concluded.
Reportage: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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