Suicides rise as Indonesia struggles to meet demand for help
The Health Ministry’s Healing119 consultation service has received as many as 600 contacts a day since February, up from an average of 350 to 400 daily last year.
Indonesia is grappling with a surge in suicides as more individuals seek mental health assistance, despite the country's struggle to adequately address the growing need for support. The Health Ministry's Healing119 consultation service witnessed a dramatic increase, receiving up to 600 daily contacts since February, compared to an average of 350 to 400 daily in the previous year.
Indonesia's reported suicide cases have steadily climbed from 1,332 in 2023 to 1,403 in 2024 and 1,503 in 2025, as per National Police data. Over 1,000 cases were recorded in the first nine months of 2025 alone.
Health officials warn that the official figures merely scratch the surface, as "many suicide attempts go unreported or are covered up." Imran Pambudi, director of vulnerable groups health services, emphasized this concern during a briefing to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. Meanwhile, the number of individuals reaching out to suicide prevention services has surged dramatically, underscoring what health experts and mental health professionals describe as a substantial unmet need for psychological and crisis support.
The Healing119 consultation service alone garnered at least 10,000 contacts between July 2025 and July 2026, with over 3,000 of those originating from individuals expressing a desire to take their own lives.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
