Bali sees increased suicide rate

JAKARTA: The number of suicides is relatively high in Bali. In 2009 there were around 190 suicides, up from 180 reported cases in 2008, Dr. M. Sugiharta Yasa, the director of the State Mental Institution in Bali, told The Jakarta Post Thursday.

Stress associated with economic problems, modernization, and shifting philosophies has lead to increased suicidal tendencies among the Balinese, he said, adding that Balinese from various age groups are prone to suicidal behavior.

Dr. Sugiharta cited one example where a young boy committed suicide after learning that his mother could not afford to buy him a new traditional Balinese costume.

“He committed a suicide because he felt embarrassed when other children wore new costumes, which are important for certain traditional ceremonies in Bali,” he said.

Also, many Balinese have become depressed because the tourism industry was growing more expansive and people were appropriating more and more of their family lands, Sugiharta said.           

“In addition, many young people in Bali are not ready when parents try to pass down Balinese traditions to them. This puts children under stress, especially when they have to think about preparing for certain traditional ceremonies or rituals,” he said.

The provincial data shows that there are currently around 17,000-18,000 people in Bali believed to suffer from mental health problems, and at least 10 percent of them need extensive treatment. Bali’s total population currently stands at 4 million.

“There is only one mental institution in Bali. As of now we only have 300 beds for mentally ill patients. However, we’re planning to triple the number of beds to 900 by 2011,” Sugiharta said. — JP