Child Suicide in Penajam Paser Utara Serves as Warning of Indonesia's Child Suicide Emergency
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has stated that a child suicide case in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, is the fourth such case in 2026, serving as a stark warning that Indonesia faces a child suicide emergency.
"This is the fourth case of a child taking their own life in 2026. And this is a serious warning," said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
KPAI has called on the government to earnestly carry out its duties and functions regarding the prevention of violence against children, including the prevention of child suicides.
"We must not allow a repeat of 2023 and 2024, when Indonesia recorded the highest child suicide rates in Southeast Asia. Massive prevention efforts are needed. KPAI is calling on the government, across ministries and institutions, to take this matter seriously," said Diyah Puspitarini.
Previously, a 14-year-old girl was suspected of having taken her own life in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan.
The tragic incident that claimed the young girl's life occurred on Thursday (12 February). The victim was first discovered by her aunt.
Police are currently still investigating the case, including examining allegations of bullying.
"KPAI is coordinating with all parties regarding this incident, particularly in Penajam Paser Utara, to ensure the exact cause of the child's death is determined. And we must ensure the child is not subjected to negative stigma," said Diyah Puspitarini.
"This is the fourth case of a child taking their own life in 2026. And this is a serious warning," said KPAI member Diyah Puspitarini when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday.
KPAI has called on the government to earnestly carry out its duties and functions regarding the prevention of violence against children, including the prevention of child suicides.
"We must not allow a repeat of 2023 and 2024, when Indonesia recorded the highest child suicide rates in Southeast Asia. Massive prevention efforts are needed. KPAI is calling on the government, across ministries and institutions, to take this matter seriously," said Diyah Puspitarini.
Previously, a 14-year-old girl was suspected of having taken her own life in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan.
The tragic incident that claimed the young girl's life occurred on Thursday (12 February). The victim was first discovered by her aunt.
Police are currently still investigating the case, including examining allegations of bullying.
"KPAI is coordinating with all parties regarding this incident, particularly in Penajam Paser Utara, to ensure the exact cause of the child's death is determined. And we must ensure the child is not subjected to negative stigma," said Diyah Puspitarini.