Nearly Every Week in Bandung Someone Attempts Suicide; Farhan: Mental Health Disorders Must Be Addressed

BANDUNG — Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has expressed concern over the recent surge in suicide attempts in the city. He cautioned that the stress and depression experienced by Bandung’s residents cannot be overlooked.

“The suicide phenomenon in Bandung demonstrates that stress and depression levels among residents can no longer be ignored. Evidently, almost every week someone attempts suicide in Bandung, particularly at Pasopati Bridge. This is very alarming,” he stated on Monday evening, 9 March 2026.

Farhan noted that the leadership communication forum of Bandung Wetan district conducts daily patrols. However, he acknowledged that patrols sometimes miss incidents, and residents attempting suicide are still found, which poses significant danger.

According to the former television presenter, suicide attempts typically occur when individuals experience severe depression over an extended period, such as the past two years. Farhan stated that suicide acts are never spontaneous.

“This means what we must do is address the issue from the beginning. Mental health disorders among Bandung’s residents must be handled together,” he said.

He noted that the city government has conducted surveys in schools regarding mental health and found that 75,000 students from primary to secondary level in Bandung experience mild stress to severe depression. Currently, the city is awaiting a programme from the Ministry of Health that will place clinical psychologists to practise at primary health centres.

“Primary health centres will offer psychological services. At the same time, these psychologists will also train school counsellors to develop the ability to identify students experiencing psychological disorders,” he explained.

Before reaching psychologists at primary health centres, Farhan stated that the city government could implement interventions such as installing safety equipment at flyovers, including CCTV cameras. The city is coordinating with the central government.

“I am also concerned that if barriers are raised, they can still be climbed. So it must be carefully considered. For instance, installing nets below is not straightforward, as nets must be strong enough to support a person,” he said.

Additionally, suicide attempts could occur through collision with the bridge before safety nets are installed. Therefore, many factors require consideration, including coordination with police.

“We need to discuss how to prevent Pasopati Bridge from being known as a place where people commit suicide,” he concluded.