Indonesia Faces Rising Child Suicidality Amidst Limited Mental Health Support
Indonesia is witnessing a concerning rise in suicidality among children and adolescents, fueled by factors including academic pressure, economic hardship and a critical lack of accessible mental health support. Recent tragedies and emerging data paint a picture of a growing crisis impacting young lives across the archipelago.
The death of a primary school student in East Nusa Tenggara earlier this month brought renewed attention to the issue. , a fourth-grade student was found dead by hanging, a case that sparked widespread concern and highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by young people. This incident is not isolated.
A mental health screening conducted in Bandung revealed alarming statistics. According to data, 71,433 out of 148,239 students – nearly 48.2 percent – showed signs of mental health issues. Psychologists warn that the situation has reached an “alarming level” requiring professional intervention beyond the capacity of school counselors.
Indonesia currently lacks comprehensive national surveillance on child and adolescent mental health. Stigma, cultural norms, and inadequate reporting systems contribute to a significant undercount of self-harm and suicide cases. UNICEF Indonesia reports that adolescents face substantial psychological pressures, including academic stress, social expectations, and limited access to mental health resources, often remaining invisible until a crisis point is reached.
Globally, suicide claims over 700,000 lives annually, with nearly 80 percent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries, where young people are particularly vulnerable to social and economic pressures. Suicide is now among the top five causes of death for adolescents worldwide.
A Hidden Burden
Available data from Indonesia underscores the severity of the problem, though This proves likely an underestimate. The 2023 Global School-based Student Health Survey found that 8.7 percent of Indonesian students had seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 10.4 percent had attempted it.
A separate study involving over 2,300 high school students across four provinces on Java revealed that more than a quarter had experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, while over 40 percent reported such thoughts within the past 12 months. The study also indicated that nearly one in five students had formulated suicide plans, and more than 4 percent had made attempts.
Underreporting is a widespread issue, not unique to Indonesia. Cultural norms discouraging open discussion of emotional distress, coupled with limited mental health infrastructure, contribute to a hidden crisis. Indonesia’s large youth population and the rapid societal changes it is undergoing make addressing this issue particularly urgent.
What Drives Suicidality?
International research identifies several risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. Childhood maltreatment – including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect – significantly increases the risk of suicidal ideation. Childhood sexual abuse, in particular, is strongly linked to suicide planning. Mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are also closely associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Parental mental health problems, family conflict, and a lack of emotional support can heighten vulnerability. Economic hardship can exacerbate stress within households, especially when combined with academic pressure or social expectations. In the case in Nusa Tenggara Timur, financial strain was reported as a contributing stressor, illustrating the intersection of economic pressures and emotional wellbeing.
Bullying victimization is consistently identified as a significant risk factor in schools. Studies across Asia demonstrate that students who experience bullying are significantly more likely to report suicidal thoughts or attempts. Other contributing factors include chronic illness, sleep disturbances, absenteeism, and loneliness.
Studies among Indonesian students echo these findings, with female students, those with chronic health conditions, and those reporting low resilience, low self-esteem, or limited family support showing higher levels of suicidal ideation. These patterns align with global evidence but are intensified by Indonesia’s limited mental health infrastructure.
What Protects Young People?
Strong relationships and supportive environments can mitigate the risk of suicide. Adolescents who feel connected to their families and schools, maintain positive self-perceptions, and engage in regular physical activity are less likely to experience suicidal thoughts. Family involvement plays a crucial protective role, with supportive parenting helping young people manage stress, recognize emotional changes, and seek help when needed.
Schools can also serve as protective environments through regular screening for emotional distress, substance use, and risky behaviors. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of self-harm and help students feel supported. Anti-bullying programs, peer-support initiatives, and teacher training in mental health literacy can further strengthen school-based prevention efforts.
Supportive communities and social networks can buffer the effects of poverty, exclusion, and limited access to services. Community-based care models have been shown to reduce vulnerability and improve mental health outcomes, particularly in rural and remote areas where formal services are scarce.
Digital platforms and the media also play an increasingly important role. Responsible reporting on suicide can reduce harm, while sensationalized coverage can increase risk. Digital platforms can be leveraged to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and connect young people with support services.
Steps Toward Prevention
Reducing stigma is paramount. Public education campaigns can help families and communities recognize signs of distress and respond supportively. Expanding access to youth-friendly mental health services, especially in rural and low-income areas, is crucial to ensure timely support.
Suicidality among children and adolescents is a preventable crisis. The recent case in Nusa Tenggara Timur has drawn national attention, but many more young people struggle in silence. Strengthening family, school, and community support systems, and establishing a national framework for early detection and prevention, can help protect Indonesia’s young people from avoidable harm.
As of , the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) reported four suicides among children already this year. From 2023 to 2025, KPAI recorded a total of 116 juvenile suicides, spread across regions including Denpasar, Yogyakarta, and Aceh. Reasons cited include bullying, relationship issues, and economic problems.
Individuals in Indonesia seeking mental health support can contact the Pulih Foundation at (021) 78842580, the Health Ministry’s Mental Health hotline at (021) 500454, or the Jangan Bunuh Diri NGO hotline at (021) 9696 9293.
