Legislator Proposes Expanded Counselling Services in Health Centres and Schools to Prevent Child Suicide

Jakarta – Heru Tjahjono, a member of Commission IX representing the Golkar Party faction in the Indonesian House of Representatives, has proposed strengthening mental health services to prevent child suicide cases. The measures include expanding counselling services in primary health centres (puskesmas) and schools, as well as improving early detection of psychological problems in children and adolescents.

Heru stated that child suicide prevention must be approached through strategies that engage family, school, and community environments. “The main strategy includes strengthening family and school support, building supportive relationships with trusted adults, eliminating stigma, and creating safe and inclusive environments,” Heru said in a statement on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Heru believes that primary health centres, as the health facilities closest to communities, play a strategic role in early detection of mental health problems. He therefore proposed increasing the number of counsellors at primary health centres and improving counselling services in schools. “The Ministry of Health must expand mental health screening to children and adolescents and encourage early detection of bullying and psychological pressure in schools,” he said.

Additionally, he urged the government to establish mental health crisis hotlines and increase the number of clinical psychologists at primary health centres and schools. These measures are considered important to ensure that children experiencing psychological stress can receive assistance promptly.

Heru also emphasised the importance of family involvement in preventing depression in children through positive parenting and protection from violence. He noted that a supportive family environment can be a protective factor for children’s mental health.

From an economic perspective, Heru called on the government to provide social assistance to underprivileged families without discrimination. This measure is believed to reduce economic pressure, which often impacts children’s psychological conditions. “This strategy aims to reduce case numbers by improving the child protection system and accelerating access to social assistance,” he said.

Data presented by Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin indicated at least four child suicide cases occurred in 2026 in East Nusa Tenggara, West Java, and East Kalimantan. Meanwhile, data from the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) shows that child suicide cases in Indonesia consistently exceed 20 cases per year. In 2023, there were 46 recorded cases; in 2024, 43 cases; and in 2025, 26 cases.