Minister of Social Affairs Receives Report on Concerning Social Care Facilities, Alleged Human Rights Violations

JAKARTA — The Indonesian Mental Health Association (PJS) led by chairperson Yeni Rosa Damayanti submitted a report to Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf regarding the alarming conditions of social care facilities.

“We hope that the situation in these facilities, which we describe as poor and extremely closed, that curtail freedom and violate human rights, will be transformed into open facilities,” said Yeni during an audience with Yusuf at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Yeni revealed that according to PJS records, approximately 20,000 people with mental disabilities are confined in social care facilities. She noted that these facilities have been operating under the guise of charitable institutions, creating an environment where numerous alleged human rights violations may occur.

“People with mental disabilities have long been regarded as less than human, so whatever treatment they receive is considered normal and not a violation of human rights,” said Yeni.

She provided an example: “In some facilities, up to 50 people are housed in a single room, and many are kept behind iron bars.”

During the meeting, Yeni asked Bejo, a survivor with mental disabilities, to share his experience from five months spent in a social care facility in Kebumen district.

“For five months I was chained. They gave me food, but I ate it in that place. The chain was about half a metre long, so I couldn’t go anywhere—I ate, used the toilet, and slept in that spot,” recounted Bejo.

“When I had a relapse, they would chain me up in front of everyone. In rain or in sun,” he added.

After hearing Bejo’s account, Minister Yusuf was moved and pledged that the Ministry of Social Affairs would ensure that social welfare institutions properly serve vulnerable populations.

“Without violating human rights, ensuring their rights are protected. We cannot simply establish social facilities and then leave them unattended,” said Yusuf.

“The facilities must be professional, and the staff working there must be professional,” he emphasised.

Minister Yusuf and Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo committed to following up on the PJS report.

“Deputy Minister, I request that you follow up with staff to refine the findings from this meeting. If necessary, we should conduct field visits,” Yusuf stressed.