Indonesia reports rising suicide attempts among students

Indonesian Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has reported a significant increase in suicide attempts among students. According to data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey, the percentage of students attempting to end their lives rose from 3.9 percent in 2015 to 10.7 percent in 2023.

Harbuwono noted that suicide ideation among students has increased 1.6 times. He highlighted that the age group of 11 to 17 is particularly vulnerable. Describing the issue as an ‘iceberg phenomenon,’ he explained that the number of suicide attempts is much higher than the number of completed suicides.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the urgent need for early mental health intervention. He noted that mental health disorders are the second most significant factor affecting quality of life, following musculoskeletal disorders. He advised the public to monitor consistent changes in physical, emotional, or behavioral conditions over a two-week period, such as sleep disturbances, weight changes, irritability, excessive anxiety, or difficulty concentrating.