585 Suicides Reported in Indonesia by June 2023, Highest Number in Central Java

Based on data from the Indonesian National Police (Polri), there were 585 reported suicide cases throughout Indonesia between January and June 2023, with the majority occurring in Central Java.

The following is a list of the 10 provinces with the highest number of reported suicide cases in Indonesia from January to June 2023:

1. Central Java: 224 cases
2. East Java: 107 cases
3. Bali: 56 cases
4. West Java: 35 cases
5. Yogyakarta Special Region: 28 cases
6. North Sumatra: 26 cases
7. West Sumatra: 17 cases
8. Lampung: 16 cases
9. North Sulawesi: 13 cases
10. Bengkulu: 12 cases

Polri also noted that most suicide cases were found in residential areas (445 cases), followed by plantations (59 cases), and offices (6 cases).

The majority of cases occurred between morning and noon, specifically between 8:00 AM and 11:59 AM (143 cases) and between 5:00 AM and 7:59 AM (142 cases).

According to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), suicidal behavior is linked to mental disorders, including depression.

"Symptoms of depression, such as feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or despair, are risk factors for suicide," stated Kemenkes on its official website.

"55% of people with depression have suicidal thoughts. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, gloominess, and irritability. Patients experience cognitive distortions such as self-criticism, self-blame, feelings of worthlessness, decreased self-esteem, pessimism, and despair," it continued.

To prevent such cases, Kemenkes encourages the public to empathize with individuals who exhibit suicidal tendencies.

"Avoid being judgmental or blaming; instead, the best approach is to show empathy by listening to their complaints while encouraging them to seek treatment from the nearest healthcare facility," said Kemenkes.

Although suicide is not a criminal act, those who incite someone to commit suicide can face imprisonment.

This is regulated in Article 345 of the Indonesian Criminal Code (KUHP), which states, "Anyone who intentionally encourages another person to commit suicide, assists them in the act, or provides them with the means to do so, shall be threatened with imprisonment for a maximum of four years if the person commits suicide."

(See also: Theft, the Most Frequent Crime in Indonesia until April 2023)