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