Editorial: Indonesia Unchains Its Troubled Souls
The history of mentally-ill people in Indonesia is a story of discrimination, mistreatment, alienation, torture and a life in chains. Naked men and women are still seen wandering around the streets or curled up asleep underneath a damp bridge, only to be chased and beaten away by ignorant residents.
At least 6 percent of the Indonesian population, or more than 16 million people, suffers from some form of mental disorder. Within many families, those who are thought to be "mad" become chained for years; in many cases, until they die.
Some 60,000 Indonesians are reportedly living in shackles, imprisoned by their own parents and siblings, often simply because their condition brought shame and humiliation to the family.
The government seems to be turning a blind eye, judging from the severe lack of hospitals in the country catering to citizens with mental disorders. In the very few facilities that do exist, rooms are over-crowded and patients are mistreated.
The state has never considered the increasingly pressing issue a priority, as perhaps it is not seen as a cash cow from which officials and politicians can benefit. Until last week, Indonesia belonged to a small group of countries in the world that did not have laws catering to or protecting the mentally ill.
This is why we welcome the passing of a bill on mental disorders. With the new regulation, we hope Indonesia can take better care of its mentally handicapped citizens by building more hospitals, and provide training for health care professionals to properly diagnose and care for the troubled souls.
We also should laud people — lawmakers, academics and civil rights groups — for their selfless endeavor in a time when Indonesians are in need of leaders who work for the benefit of the public, rather than for their own self-interests.
Posted by: "Sunny" <ambon@tele2.se>
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