Rising Suicide Cases in Bandung; Farhan: Stress and Depression Cannot Be Ignored

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has expressed concern over the rising number of suicide incidents occurring in the city in recent weeks. He warned that the stress and depression experienced by Bandung residents can no longer be ignored.

“The phenomenon of suicide in Bandung clearly demonstrates that stress and depression levels among residents have reached a point where they can no longer be overlooked. It is evident that almost every week someone attempts suicide in Bandung, particularly at Pasopati Bridge. This is deeply worrying,” he stated on Monday evening, 9 March 2026.

He reported that the Bandung Wetan District leadership communication forum continues daily patrols. However, Farhan noted that these patrols sometimes fall short, and cases of attempted suicide continue to be discovered, which is extremely dangerous.

He explained that suicide attempts typically occur when a person experiences severe depression over an extended period, such as the past two years. Farhan stated that suicide attempts never happen spontaneously.

“This means what we must do is address the problem from the start. Mental health issues among Bandung residents must be handled collectively,” he said.

He noted that the city had conducted a survey on mental health in schools and found that 75,000 students from primary to secondary level in Bandung experience stress ranging from mild to severe depression. The city is currently awaiting a programme from the Health Ministry that will place clinical psychologists to practise at community health centres.

“There will be psychological services at the health centres. At the same time, these psychologists will also train school counsellors to develop the ability to identify students experiencing psychological disorders,” he added.