Yogyakarta, May 4, 2026— Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs responded to mental health issues in Gunung Kidul.
Gunung Kidul has one of the highest suicide rates in Indonesia, exacerbated by the cultural myth of “pulung gantung.” The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs is taking the mental health crisis in Gunung Kidul seriously, recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue. Katiman, Assistant Deputy for Research, Technology, and Industrial Partnerships at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration on this issue. “We ask for your assistance in mapping the issues in Gunung Kidul. What additional factors need to be considered? From psychology, medicine, agriculture, geography, and others. This will form the basis for our future,” he said.
