Purwokerto, Central Java – Banyumas Police have recorded 30 suicides since January in its jurisdiction, which encompasses Banyumas, Cilacap, Banjarnegara and Purbalingga regencies.

Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Emron Putra Agung told reporters on Tuesday that Banyumas regency had seen 13 suicides since the beginning of the year. There have been 10 suicides in Cilacap, five in Purbalingga and two in Banjarnegara. "Most of the cases were prompted by economic hardship," said Emron.

He said several of the suicides involved people facing a terminal illness. "This is shocking. We have never recorded this many cases. Every one must pay great attention to this matter, including the regional administration and religious figures," the officer said.