The atmosphere in the Management program class at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) on Wednesday morning (Aug. 14) was different from usual.
A couple sat in the front row with their eldest daughter. These were Sebastian Hutabarat and Imelda Tiurniari Napitupulu, the parents of Marchia R. M. Hutabarat, a newly admitted student at UGM, who passed away on Jun. 17, 2024.
Marchia was an incoming freshman in the 2024 cohort of the Management undergraduate program. The young woman from Sangkarnihuta, Balige, Toba, North Sumatra, passed away due to illness before she could experience the excitement of new student orientation or even her first day of classes.
Sebastian, his wife, and their eldest daughter attended the class to experience what their daughter could not. The room was emotional as Sebastian was allowed to share his daughter’s story.
His voice trembled as he began speaking, and tears welled in his eyes as he introduced himself and his family. Several times, he had to catch his breath and wipe away the tears that streamed down his face.
“I imagine Marchia sitting among you,” he said, his voice breaking.
Sebastian shared that Marchia, born in 2006, was a bright and accomplished student. His daughter was always at the top of her class. Her achievements have allowed Marchia to be accepted into UGM through academic excellence-based entrance selection (SNBP).
He never imagined that he would lose his daughter so soon. The pain of losing her was immense, as he felt he hadn’t been there for every moment of Marchia’s life.
“I received a call from my wife at that time. 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.
Holding back tears, Imelda recounted the events leading to Marchia’s passing. In June 2024, she and Marchia had already arrived in Yogyakarta, accompanied by their eldest daughter, Nada, who was studying at ISI Yogyakarta, to prepare for the upcoming semester, including finding accommodation. They had even visited the FEB UGM campus.
“Marchia had a photo taken in front of the Pertamina Tower Building. She said the campus was cool but felt intimidating,” Imelda said.
Imelda planned a small celebration to celebrate her daughter’s success and took her two daughters on a trip to Nepal van Java, Magelang. Everything seemed fine, with no complaints from her youngest daughter.
However, the unexpected happened when they arrived at their lodging.
“When we arrived, Marchia said she wanted to take a bath. After more than 30 minutes, she didn’t come out. I knocked on the door, but there was no response, so I opened it, and there she was, unconscious,” she recalled.
At first, Imelda thought her daughter was joking. But when Marchia did not respond, she quickly performed first aid and rushed her to the nearest health facility, which was 15 kilometers away.
“The closest was a health center, but it was quiet because of the Eid al-Adha holiday. When we arrived, I already had a feeling that Marchia was gone, and it turned out to be true,” she said.
Despite the pain, she had to accept the reality. She remained grateful to have been by her daughter’s side in her final moments.
Sebastian continued his wife’s story, describing Marchia as a very enthusiastic and determined child committed to achieving her dreams, including attending UGM. Marchia often studied late into the night and sometimes neglected her diet, which led to acid reflux.
“Take Marchia’s experience as a lesson to be more grateful and mindful. I hope that this serves as a reflection for all of you to make good use of your time, don’t neglect your diet, and live a healthy lifestyle,” he advised.
The room was filled with soft sobs as Marchia’s story brought many new students to tears. Even the course instructor, Rina Herani, couldn’t hold back her tears, and her voice shook as she shared that Marchia’s story should remind the students to make the most of their time.
“Don’t waste your time during your studies. Being able to study here is an extraordinary privilege, as not everyone gets this opportunity, so don’t squander it,” she said.
The Vice Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at FEB UGM, Dr. Bayu Sutikno, expressed that the entire FEB UGM community, including the 605 new undergraduate students of the 2024 cohort, faculty members, and the academic community, deeply mourns Marchia Hutabarat’s passing.
The presence of Marchia’s parents during the first week of classes evoked a deep sense of loss but also demonstrated a commitment and determination to motivate Marchia’s peers to make the most of their opportunity to study at FEB UGM.
“The fact that she was accepted into UGM through SNBP shows her exceptional achievements and her strong determination from Balige, North Sumatra, to pursue her education in Yogyakarta,” he said.
Dr. Sutikno remarked that Marchia’s passing due to illness reminds students to be grateful for the opportunity to study at one of Indonesia’s best universities. Marchia’s departure reminds students to care for their health and honor their parents’ commitment.
“Farewell, Marchia, your spirit and determination will always inspire us,” Dr. Sutikno concluded.
Report by: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif