Suicides on the rise in Gunung Kidul

Suicides on the rise in Gunung Kidul

YOGYAKARTA: Police said that cases of suicide in the regency of
Gunnungkidul have risen sharply during the first quarter of this
year, with 13 cases, compared to 16 cases in all of 2002.

Gunnungkidul Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Teguh Imantoro said
on Wednesday that all of the victims hanged themselves.

"The suicide victims were mainly over 50 years old, with
motives related to chronic and incurable illnesses," Teguh said.

Head of the Gunnungkidul religious office Bun Yamin blamed
the low education of a majority of locals for the high number of
suicides.

He said the regency should offer counseling services for
persons in distress and to help dissuade them from taking their
own lives. -- Antara