Ministry of Health Urges Crackdown on 'Aku Harus Mati' Film Billboards Deemed to Trigger Suicide Risk

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is urging the regulation of film promotional materials that normalise suicide-triggering content in public spaces, including the film titled “Aku Harus Mati”.

Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at Kemenkes, stated that titles, images, or narratives simplifying suicide as a solution to suffering are considered risky in lowering resistance thresholds for those who are fragile.

“Repeated exposure to messages that romanticise or normalise such actions can trigger individuals with histories of depression, impulsivity, or traumatic experiences,” Imran said in a written statement on Monday (6/4/2026).

He added that when suicide themes are presented without caution, the impact can affect public safety.

Therefore, Imran noted, the context of presentation is crucial—whether the message places suicide within the framework of mental health complexity and prevention, or highlights dramatic elements that glorify the act.

“The concerns of mental health professionals and the regulation of reported promotional materials indicate that provocative effects are not mere speculation,” he said.

Imran stated that addressing this reality requires collective responsibility.

The recommended steps include consulting mental health experts when designing campaigns, removing or revising risky promotional materials, and including support messages and service referrals in every material touching on suicide themes, which can change the tone of communication from provocative to protective.

“At the community level, it is important to foster awareness that suicide is rarely the result of a single cause; it usually emerges from a combination of mood disorders, social pressures, situational crises, and biological or historical factors,” he said.

Previously, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government regulated the promotional materials for the film Aku Harus Mati after receiving public scrutiny and criticism.

“Two banner locations and one videotron location. The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will continue to monitor the situation in the field and ensure that every public report is followed up quickly and appropriately,” said Yustinus in a statement on Sunday (5/4/2026).

The Jakarta Provincial Government is also continuing coordination to monitor developments in handling other points.

Yustinus emphasised that public spaces must remain safe and friendly for all groups, including children who are vulnerable to certain visual exposures.

Every communication material displayed in public spaces must consider decency and potential psychological impacts that can be felt by the public.

The DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will also take firm steps if similar materials are still found in public areas.