Child Suicide Crisis: Expert Highlights Importance of Parental Bonding

Jakarta — A report from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has revealed an emergency situation regarding child suicide in Indonesia. Between 2023 and 2026, 116 cases of child suicide were recorded, the highest figure compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.

Responding to this concern, child development expert Prof Dwi Hastuti from IPB University stated that children who attempt suicide are typically in a state of despair and hopelessness. Such conditions should be preventable through emotional closeness between children and their parents.

“During preschool age, children are usually closer to their mothers. However, as they enter school age and adolescence, closeness with their fathers also becomes important. Nevertheless, such closeness can only develop if there is sufficient interaction from early childhood,” said Prof Dwi in a written statement issued on Sunday (15/3/2026).

Prof Dwi noted that children who lose hope typically experience stress, frustration, and depression. In many cases, parents fail to recognise signs of stress in their children until the condition develops into something more serious.

The sources of stress in children are highly varied, ranging from family relationship dynamics, friendships at school, social environments, to activities in organisations. Additionally, intense exposure to social media can also trigger psychological pressure on children.

According to Prof Dwi, social media often displays lifestyles that create a gap between children’s actual reality and the lives they see online. This can trigger feelings of misfortune, inferiority, and diminished self-confidence in children.

“If this condition persists without parental supervision and good communication within the family, it can trigger anxiety, restlessness, and even self-hatred,” she said.