The Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has urged the need to regulate promotional materials for controversial films, such as "Aku Harus Mati," emphasizing that displaying such content in public places may increase the risk of suicide among vulnerable individuals. This statement was made during a press conference held in Jakarta, where the Director of Mental Health Services at the ministry, Imran Bambudi, noted that media plays a crucial role in shaping societal understanding of mental health issues.
Bambudi explained that titles, images, and texts that simplify the concept of suicide as a solution to life’s problems can diminish the resilience of individuals suffering from psychological vulnerabilities. He stressed that repeated exposure to messages that glorify or normalize suicide can trigger individuals with a history of depression or traumatic experiences.
Details of the Event
This call comes at a time when Indonesia has witnessed a notable increase in suicide cases, with police reporting **1,350** suicide cases in **2023**, rising to **1,450** cases in **2024**. Bambudi pointed out that these figures reflect growing concerns about mental health within Indonesian society.
He also noted that crisis services have seen a surge in demand, with the number of calls to the "healing119" service increasing from **400** calls daily in August **2025** to **550** calls daily in **2026**. These numbers indicate that psychological issues have become more apparent in society, necessitating immediate action.
Background & Context
Historically, mental health issues in Indonesia have suffered from a lack of awareness and support. However, the government and civil society organizations have recently begun to promote awareness about the importance of mental health and the need to provide support for individuals facing psychological challenges. This shift occurs in a global context marked by rising suicide rates, underscoring the need for effective strategies to address this phenomenon.
Indonesia is one of the countries facing significant challenges in the field of mental health, as communities are affected by social and economic pressures. This makes it essential for the government to adopt effective policies to tackle these issues and provide necessary support to individuals.
Impact & Consequences
Failure to regulate promotional materials for films addressing the subject of suicide may exacerbate the situation, as such materials can influence individuals suffering from mental health issues. Therefore, it is crucial to present messages responsibly, focusing on providing support and treatment rather than glorifying suicide.
There is also an urgent need for collaboration between filmmakers and the Ministry of Health to ensure that the messages conveyed in films and media content are responsible and do not encourage suicide. These messages should include references to available services and support for individuals facing psychological challenges.
Regional Significance
Mental health and suicide issues are concerns that affect all communities, including Arab communities. Many Arab countries suffer from a lack of awareness and support in the field of mental health, necessitating similar steps to those taken by Indonesia to ensure the safety of individuals and promote awareness about the importance of mental health.
Ultimately, there must be a collective effort from all stakeholders, including governments and communities, to ensure that necessary support is provided to individuals facing mental health challenges and to avoid messages that may exacerbate the situation.