Sukarjito, Jakarta – A series of child deaths across Indonesia in recent weeks has triggered growing concern among child protection advocates, with the country's watchdog warning of a "national emergency" in safeguarding children's mental health and well-being.
In less than three weeks, at least three children were found dead in separate incidents in Ngada Regency, Demak Regency, and Penajam Paser Utara. Police in each case said there were no indications of foul play, but the clustering of incidents has raised alarm at the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI).
The most recent case occurred in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, where a 14-year-old junior high school student was found dead in her home on Feb. 12. Local police said the girl had been alone at the house while her parents were at a hospital, where her father was receiving medical treatment.
Babulu police chief Ridwan Harahap said medical assessments suggested the child had died several hours before she was discovered at 5 p.m. Police said they found no signs of external violence and are still gathering information from family members and related parties to reconstruct the circumstances.
Earlier the same day, a 13-year-old elementary school student was found dead at her home in Demak, Central Java. Police there said medical examinations showed no signs of physical abuse, and investigators concluded there was no criminal element. Authorities also rejected false claims circulating on social media accusing the child's mother of involvement.
The cases followed the death of a 10-year-old boy in Ngada, East Nusa Tenggara, one of Indonesia's poorest regions, on Jan. 29. The boy, who lived between his mother's home and a small hut shared with his elderly grandmother, grew up in a household marked by chronic poverty and limited access to education. His death drew national attention to the risks faced by children in remote and disadvantaged areas.
KPAI Commissioner Diyah Puspitarini said the succession of cases was deeply troubling and unprecedented in her experience.
"This is heartbreaking and extremely concerning," Diyah told reporters on Saturday. "In just over two months, similar cases have appeared repeatedly. This pattern in 2026 is highly abnormal and must be treated as a national concern."
According to KPAI, at least five cases involving children have been recorded since the start of the year. The commission has urged law enforcement authorities to investigate each case comprehensively, including possible contributing factors such as family conditions, school environments, and social pressures.
Diyah stressed that children who die in such circumstances must not be stigmatized. "The state must be present – to uncover the truth, to ensure the law is enforced properly, and to protect children," she said.
She also called on parents, schools, and communities to strengthen communication with children and create safe spaces where they feel able to speak openly about their struggles. "Child protection cannot be left to families or schools alone. Everyone has a role," she added.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said on Feb. 4 that the government is preparing to expand access to child mental health services following public concern over the death of the child in Ngada Regency.
He said screenings have identified about 10 million children at risk of mental health problems, prompting plans to place clinical psychologists at community health centers (puskesmas) and integrate mental health checks into the government's free health screening program in coordination with schools.
Under Indonesia's Child Protection Law, children in such cases fall into a category requiring special protection, obliging the state to provide psychological support for families, social assistance, and legal safeguards.
Past incidents underline the issue's persistence. In 2023, an elementary school student in Kebumen died after entering a river, with local reports citing distress linked to financial hardship while living with a grandmother.
Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/three-child-deaths-in-three-weeks-watchdog-warns-of-mental-health-crisi