IDAI: "I Must Die" Billboards Could Have Negative Impact on Vulnerable Teenagers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Paediatric Society (IDAI) has stated that billboards promoting the horror film “Aku Harus Mati” could have a detrimental impact on the mental health of children and adolescents, especially those with psychological vulnerabilities. “For people with healthy mental states, it might be fine, but for children with mental health disorders, it could be very dangerous,” said the Chairman of the IDAI Central Board, Dr. Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, following an IDAI media briefing at the Balai Budaya in Jakarta on Monday. He noted that approximately 10% of adolescents experience mental health disorders. For those with psychological vulnerabilities, billboards like those for “Aku Harus Mati” could trigger harmful ideas. “For someone with severe depression who sees that banner, it could affirm suicidal thoughts in them,” said Dr. Piprim. According to him, the film’s title and billboards with such phrasing and word choices could also confuse children. “Children might ask why they have to die, while they are taught to be enthusiastic and achieve,” he said. “For children with mental health disorders, the impact could be very dangerous,” he added. Dr. Piprim emphasised that creative industry players must be more prudent in conveying messages through content to avoid negative impacts on the public, particularly vulnerable groups. “Come on, film producers, discuss with psychology and child health experts so that the content remains acceptable but also educational,” said Dr. Piprim. The promotion of the horror film titled “Aku Harus Mati” has drawn criticism from the public and mental health experts for being deemed to have a negative impact on the psychological condition of children, adolescents, and individuals with mental vulnerabilities. Following reports from residents, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has removed the film’s advertisements with scary wording and visuals from several locations.