Expert: Financial Literacy from a Young Age Can Prevent Suicide

Financial literacy is cited as a potential component in suicide prevention efforts. Mental health researcher Dr Sandersan Onie, BPsychSci (Hons), Ph.D, stated that financial problems are a social factor that must be addressed in suicide prevention strategies. He noted that in several countries, suicide prevention interventions include providing financial literacy from childhood.

“In various countries, one of the suicide prevention interventions is training young children in financial literacy—how to manage finances. This ensures that in the future, they do not become trapped in online loans or even online gambling,” said Sanderslag during a Media Briefing for World Suicide Prevention Day at the Ministry of Health, Jakarta, on Wednesday (9/9/2026).

Sandersan emphasised that prevention efforts should not only begin when an individual is already in a state of crisis or experiencing suicidal ideation. A broader approach is required to create social conditions that reduce risk factors before a person reaches that point.

“We must create a country where people do not even consider committing suicide. That is the current global approach,” he remarked.

Sandersan explained that suicide prevention does not end with psychological or psychiatric services. Living conditions and the surrounding environment also play a vital role.

Several social factors that need to be addressed include poverty and debt, unemployment and job loss, housing issues, abuse and violence, discrimination and stigma, social isolation, conflict, disasters and displacement, as well as environments related to alcohol and gambling.

Psychologist Annelia Sari Sani also stated that debt issues, including online loans (pinjol), are frequently encountered in crisis assistance services.

“It is not uncommon to find cases where individuals contemplate suicide because they are trapped by online loans. It happens quite frequently,” said Anne.

In such circumstances, Anne continued, the problems faced do not always require purely psychological intervention. Social assistance may also be necessary because the root of the problem is linked to financial hardship.