It’s Not a Question of “Lack of Faith”

Recently, suicide cases have been circulating on social media and news portals in East Java, involving young people. So, what’s the real trigger behind this phenomenon?

This phenomenon isn’t caused by religious devotion. Yurika Fauzia Wardhani, a researcher at the Center for Public Health and Nutrition Research, Health Research Organization–BRIN, revealed that there were 2,112 suicide cases in Indonesia from 2012 to 2023. Tragically, 985 of these cases involved adolescents (10-24 years old), or 46.63% of the total. Meanwhile, according to data from the National Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Pusiknas), 1,492 suicide cases were reported throughout Indonesia through 2025. This data indicates an increasing trend in the suicide rate in Indonesia.

Overall, East Java ranked second (210 cases) after Central Java (433 cases). Based on police data (Pusiknas Bareskrim Polri) and medical records in East Java, the 210 suicide cases in East Java throughout 2025 were dominated by two large groups. First, adults and the elderly (30 years and older) accounted for 115 cases; and second, and no less distressing, youth (17-29 years old) accounted for 75 cases. Meanwhile, the under-17 age group accounted for 20 cases. Based on the data above, the productive age group dominates this phenomenon, both nationally and regionally.

So, what triggers suicide cases based on the distribution of these age groups?

• Mature age group (30 years and above): the average triggers are economic burdens (online loans/online gambling) and chronic illnesses;
• Youth group (17-29 years): crushed by identity crises, pressure from college or work, financial conditions (such as gambling/online loans, and the Sandwich Generation), and romantic problems; and
• The age group under 17: highly vulnerable to family disharmony (broken homes or domestic violence) as well as physical bullying at school and cyberbullying on social media.

Judging by the series of triggers, it’s clear that this fatal decision stems from diverse and complex issues. This is no longer a matter of individuals “lacking in religious devotion,” but rather a clarion call that safe spaces for mental health are in dire straits.

Unfortunately, the societal stigma against people with mental disorders makes people afraid and reluctant to seek professional help, or even simply to talk to others. Labels like “weak,” “useless,” “attention-seeking,” and even “lacking faith” still often accompany them. As a result, seeking help is delayed and can have fatal consequences.

The Ministry of Health, through its 2021 Guidelines for Suicide Prevention and Management, states that social stigma can lead to self-stigma, which is the feeling of worthlessness that arises when someone receives a negative label, internalizes stereotypes, and perceives themselves as contaminated, bad, or dirty. Ultimately, stigma creates isolation and can increase stress, exacerbating existing mental health issues and increasing the risk of suicide. It can also lead to family and friends not providing necessary support or being unaware of the mental health situation and the potential for suicide. Therefore, efforts to Reducing stigma plays a crucial role in implementing suicide prevention efforts.

In fact, Law Number 17 of 2023 concerning Health integrates mental health issues into the national legal system with a commitment to eliminating stigma (anti-stigma) and discrimination legally, such as:

1). Equality Rights (Anti-Discrimination). This law affirms that people with mental disorders (ODGJ) and people with mental disorders (ODMK) have the same legal rights to receive humane health services without discrimination;

2). Prohibition of Shackling and Neglect. The Health Law expressly prohibits shackling, isolating, or neglecting patients with mental disorders and establishes legal sanctions for violators; and

3). Mass Anti-Myth Education. The central and regional governments are required to conduct mass public education to dispel false myths (such as those linking mental disorders to mysticism or curses).

However, how is the implementation of this policy in practice?

Although clearly stated in the regulation, stigma reduction in practice still faces significant challenges. Internalized Stigma (Self-Stigma) persists, with patients often adopting societal stigma. As a result, they feel ashamed and choose to hide their condition rather than seek treatment through BPJS Kesehatan (Indonesian Health Insurance). Furthermore, training remains limited, as not all village officials or general medical personnel in remote areas have received training based on the 2021 Ministry of Health Guidelines. Consequently, judgmental approaches sometimes still occur unintentionally at the primary care level.

As social beings, we have a responsibility to provide moral support to people with mental disorders so they don’t feel alone during difficult times. Below is a summary of the Dos and Don’ts that can be implemented:

1. Recognize the Signs of Suicidal Thoughts.

There are many common signs we can recognize, including: changes in behavior and appearance (eating more or less, speaking and walking more slowly than usual, disheveled appearance and neglect of personal hygiene), disturbed sleep patterns, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, seeing oneself as a burden, withdrawal from friends or family, feelings of self-loathing, loss of interest in things one used to enjoy, feelings of hopelessness, extreme mood swings, self-harm, or even expressions of suicidal thoughts, plans, and actions. By recognizing these signs, we can take preventative measures and encourage the person to seek professional help.

2. Approach and Understand Their Condition.

When we see and recognize signs of suicide in someone, approach them instead of distancing ourselves. Show them that we care. Involve them in every activity, give them your full attention, and monitor their every behavior. Understand their feelings and don’t pressure them to talk immediately if they’re not ready to open up. In a life-threatening situation, secure the environment by removing sharp objects that could potentially be used to commit suicide and stay by their side. Next, offer them help to reduce their suicidal thoughts.

3. Stop the Stigma and Be a Good Listener.

Remember the impact of social stigma we discussed earlier? The main thing we can do to prevent suicide attempts is to talk about it. The topic of suicide is not taboo. In fact, it’s one way to help them feel less alone during their difficult time. Show them that you’re there to listen. Be fully present and listen to their story with empathy. Understand their feelings. Ask non-judgmental and non-miniscencing questions. Avoid judgmental statements like: “Oh, that’s all that makes you want to kill yourself.”, “There are many people out there with much worse problems than you, but they don’t take it to heart.”, “Don’t be so emotional. It’s a trivial matter, no need to take it personally.” or other similar expressions. Offer advice and input only when they ask for it, because often they just need to be heard and understood, not asked for advice. If you feel the need to offer advice and solutions, ask for their opinion on the suggestions we provide. No one at risk of suicide or struggling with a mental health condition should be silenced or shamed. They need to know that there are people ready to support and be there for them during their most difficult times.

4. Offer Professional Help.

Once they’re willing to open up, we can start encouraging them to seek professional help. BPJS Kesehatan fully covers mental health services, from access to psychological consultations and psychotherapy, referrals to partner hospital Psychiatric Clinics, to inpatient care and access to psychiatric medications. Furthermore, in this digital age, it’s incredibly easy to access professional help flexibly, safely, and from anywhere through online counseling platforms such as Halodoc, ibunda.id, and Riliv.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life and the complex challenges ahead, there’s one thing to realize: seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness. To those of you who are struggling, thank you for continuing to rise and persevering. And to those of you who are supporting your loved ones through their difficult times, thank you for being there for them and supporting them. You are all truly amazing!