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SINGAPORE – The Indonesian community in Singapore is rallying around a family grappling with unimaginable loss and a long road to recovery following a February 6th traffic accident in Chinatown that claimed the life of six-year-old Sheyna Lashira Smaradiani. The tragedy has left her father, Ashar Ardianto, emotionally devastated and her mother, Raisha Anindra Pascasiswi, hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident, involving a collision with an electric vehicle, has sparked an outpouring of support and fundraising efforts to support the family navigate the aftermath.
Ashar, 30, is described as “remarkably shaken” by Indonesian embassy officials, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of his daughter. According to Deputy Chief of Mission Thomas Ardian Siregar, Ashar is currently staying at the residence of the Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore, Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan, to remain close to his wife during her recovery. The embassy is providing support to ensure he can remain in Singapore to be with Raisha, 31, as she receives medical care. Hotel chain Ascott has also offered free accommodation as a gesture of support during this challenging time, Channel NewsAsia reported.
Raisha remains in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where she is receiving treatment for internal injuries and fractures. While she has regained consciousness and is in stable condition, she remains weak, according to the Indonesian Embassy. Friends and former classmates have initiated a fundraising campaign to help cover her mounting medical expenses, The Straits Times detailed, with donations being collected through a bank account established for the family.
The Chinatown Accident and its Aftermath
The accident occurred around noon on February 6th near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple on South Bridge Road. Sheyna and Raisha were struck by a dark-colored electric vehicle that reportedly exited a parking area and turned right, colliding with them as they were crossing the street. Ashar, who was pushing a stroller containing their two-year-old child, was fortunately unharmed. Sheyna sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at SGH shortly after the incident.
Her remains were repatriated to Jakarta and laid to rest on February 8th at TPU Tanah Kusir, according to reports. The tragedy has deeply affected the Indonesian community in Singapore, prompting a wave of grief and solidarity.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
The outpouring of support extends beyond the Indonesian Embassy and Ascott. Friends of Raisha from her time at the University of Indonesia’s Chinese literature program (class of 2017) initiated the fundraising drive, appealing for donations to help with her medical bills. An Instagram post from the university’s alumni association called for prayers for Raisha’s swift recovery and strength for the family during this challenging time.
The Indonesian Embassy has been actively involved in providing assistance to the family, arranging accommodation for Ashar and facilitating communication with hospital staff. Siregar emphasized the embassy’s commitment to supporting its citizens in Singapore, particularly during times of crisis. He noted Ashar’s emotional state, stating he has had difficulty continuing conversations due to the overwhelming grief and has declined media interviews.
Ongoing Medical Care and Investigation
Raisha’s condition remains a primary concern. While she is able to communicate, her physical weakness necessitates continued care in the HDU at SGH. The extent of her recovery and the long-term implications of her injuries are still being assessed by medical professionals. Details regarding the driver of the electric vehicle and any potential legal proceedings have not been publicly released.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions about pedestrian safety in the Chinatown area, a bustling district frequented by both locals and tourists. Authorities have not yet released a statement regarding any planned changes to traffic management or pedestrian crossings in the vicinity of the accident.
As of February 16th, the Indonesian Embassy continues to provide support to Ashar and monitor Raisha’s condition closely. The community fundraising efforts are ongoing, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on the family as they navigate this devastating loss and Raisha’s recovery. Updates on Raisha’s condition and information on how to contribute to the fundraising efforts can be found through the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore and various Indonesian community groups online.
The next update regarding Raisha’s condition is expected from SGH in the coming days. Anyone wishing to offer support is encouraged to contribute to the ongoing fundraising campaign or reach out to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore for information on how to assist the family.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or emotional distress, resources are available. You can contact the Singapore Association for Mental Health at 1800-283-7019 or visit their website at https://www.samhealth.org.sg/ for support and guidance.
