Self-Immolation in Indonesia and Papua

Abstract

Self-immolation in Indonesia and Papua has never been addressed as a public health problem even though media reports abound. Clinical findings and observations describe suicide by self-immolation in this region of the world as an act of desperation triggered by factors such as complex negative affective states, financial difficulties and marital disharmony. Women self-immolate more often than men, especially in Papua, where it is typically performed symbolically in the household’s kitchen. Traditional Papuan marriages follow old tribal practices where a woman frequently becomes powerless in a marriage, therefore choosing to self-immolate rather than divorce. The lack of systematic suicide reporting and inability to accurately determine the prevalence of self-immolation compounds system-wide problems like limited access to burn units and mental health care, creating clinical challenges and obstacles to prevention. Suicide by self-immolation in Indonesia and Papua should be approached through culturally specific ethnographic research in order to assess motivations, precipitants and vulnerabilities. Once this contextual understanding is achieved, we may be able to consider interventions and formulate effective prevention strategies.