Chaining of People with Mental Disorders Continues into the Second Quarter of 2022

News reports have surfaced about a young man causing disturbances in public places, ranging from shopping malls and cafes to train stations. These disturbances occurred in several regions, from Bontang, East Kalimantan; Surabaya, East Java; to Jakarta.

The young man claims to have a mental illness (person with mental disorder/ODGJ). Although frequently apprehended by security forces, he is consistently released due to possessing a "card" indicating his mental illness.

His actions have recently caused public unrest. He has even become a topic of discussion on social media. Many question the efforts of his family or the government to address his situation, with some even suggesting restraint.

Restraining individuals with mental disorders is not an appropriate solution. Restraint—especially without medical treatment—only worsens their condition, further reinforcing stigma and social isolation.

Sadly, as of 2022, the practice of restraining individuals with mental disorders was still prevalent in Indonesia. The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported that 4,304 individuals with mental disorders in Indonesia were allegedly restrained up to the second quarter of 2022.

"The number of restraints is quite high. In 2021, it dropped significantly because the focus was on COVID-19; perhaps data surveillance at community health centers shifted to COVID-19," said Vensya Sitohang, Director of HIV Health (Keswa) at the Ministry of Health, in a press conference on World Mental Health Day 2022 in Jakarta on Wednesday (5/10/2022), as reported by *Antara*.

(Read also: [Cost is the Main Consideration for People Choosing Mental Health Services](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2021/09/14/biaya-jadi-pertimbangan-utama-masyarakat-pilih-layanan-kesehatan-mental))

In 2021, the number reached 2,332 people. In 2020, it reached 6,452 people, the highest in the last four years.

In 2019, the number of restraints against individuals with mental disorders reached 4,989.

Generally, the number of individuals with mental disorders in Indonesia is estimated at 500,000. The highest numbers are in Central Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Vensya stated that her office is working to free restrained individuals with mental disorders by involving relevant professional organizations and through educational approaches to families and the surrounding community.

Worse still, individuals with mental disorders released from restraints and undergoing medical treatment and therapy are often restrained again after treatment. Yet, this treatment and therapy must be continued by the individual concerned.

Vensya emphasized that re-restraint will cause patients to relapse into depression.

"The education we provide is that individuals with mental disorders must be treated and taken to health facilities. Thinking about restraint is actually a social problem, so health center officers, RT/RW officials must understand so that individuals with mental disorders are taken to the hospital," Vensya explained.

(Read also: [Financial Problems and Pressure from Partners Trigger Mental Health Issues in Indonesia](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2022/10/27/masalah-keuangan-hingga-tekanan-dari-pasangan-jadi-pemicu-kesehatan-mental-di-indonesia))