Mental health and suicide trends in Indonesia

Indonesia continues to face a significant gap in mental health care. The Ministry of Health reports that of the estimated 2.5 to 3 million people suffering from depression, only 12.7 percent have access to treatment, meaning approximately 9 out of 10 individuals do not receive medical care.

Screening results from the Free Health Check Program (CKG) have identified specific high-risk groups. The highest indications of depressive symptoms were found among pregnant and postpartum women at 7.1 percent, while the rate for school-aged children and adolescents is 2.3 percent. Health officials have emphasized that mental health is critical as it directly impacts physical conditions, such as blood pressure.

To address these challenges, the government is working to strengthen mental health services at the primary care level. Currently, approximately 6,549 Puskesmas (community health centers)—roughly 64 percent of the nation’s total—are capable of providing mental health services. The Ministry aims to expand this capability to all Puskesmas within two years and has prepared 932 health centers to be disability-friendly.