971 Suicides Reported in Indonesia Through October 2023, Highest Number in Central Java

Based on data from the Indonesian National Police's National Criminal Information Center (Pusiknas), there were 971 suicide cases in Indonesia from January to October 18, 2023.

This figure surpasses the 900 suicide cases recorded in 2022.

Based on reporting location, the highest number of suicide cases in Indonesia were found in Central Java, with 356 cases.

The following is a list of the top 10 provinces with the most reported suicide cases in Indonesia from January to October 18, 2023, at 09:08 WIB:

1. Central Java: 356 cases
2. East Java: 184 cases
3. Bali: 94 cases
4. West Java: 60 cases
5. Yogyakarta Special Region: 48 cases
6. North Sumatra: 41 cases
7. Lampung: 27 cases
8. West Sumatra: 26 cases
9. Bengkulu: 22 cases
10. North Sulawesi: 18 cases

The Indonesian National Police also noted that most suicide cases occurred in residential areas (741 cases), followed by plantations (104 cases), and rice fields (18 cases).

The majority of cases occurred between morning and noon: 05:00-07:59 (246 cases) and 08:00-11:59 (212 cases).

Recently, two suspected suicide cases involving university students have been widely reported.

First, the suspected suicide of a student, identified only as NJW (20), who was found dead at Paragon Mall in Semarang, Central Java, on Tuesday (10/10/2023).

Second, the suspected suicide of a student from a private university in Semarang, Central Java, identified only as EN (24), who was found dead in their boarding room on Wednesday (11/10/2023).

In response to these student suicide cases, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) has called on all campuses in Indonesia to create a healthy, safe, and comfortable campus environment.

“I am deeply concerned about student suicides. Campuses must be SAN, meaning healthy, safe, and comfortable. Physical health, mental health, psychological health, emotional health, financial health, and social health are all important,” said the Acting Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Diktiristek), Nizam, as reported by *Republika.co.id* on Tuesday (17/10/2023).

Into the Light, a community dedicated to suicide prevention education and mental health in Indonesia, advises individuals with suicidal thoughts to contact the nearest healthcare service.

"Meeting with the nearest psychologist/psychiatrist has proven effective in handling suicide crises or mental disorders. Furthermore, face-to-face meetings with professionals will also guarantee the confidentiality of your personal information," stated the Into the Light team on their official website.

"One of the easiest ways to find mental health services is by visiting the nearest community health center (Puskesmas). According to data from the Ministry of Health, there are now more than 3,000 Puskesmas equipped with mental health services," they added.