Ciamis Mutilation Case and the "Iceberg" Phenomenon of Mental Health Problems

The number of people suffering from mental health problems in Indonesia has increased significantly every year.

KOMPAS/ABDULLAH FIKRI ASHRI

Portrait of the Cisontrol Village Office, Rancah District, Ciamis Regency, West Java, Friday (3/5/2024). In that village there was a case of mutilation which was allegedly carried out by a husband against his wife.

The murder and mutilation carried out by Tarsum (50) against his wife, Y (44), in Ciamis, West Java, several days ago, shocked the public. How the husband had the heart to kill his wife in the open, then cut up and offered the victim's body parts to neighbors.

As of Monday (6/5/2024), the police were still investigating the case. A number of witnesses were examined. In fact, the perpetrator's mental condition was also examined by a team of doctors at Ciamis Regional Hospital.

So far the police have not been able to confirm the motive behind this heinous act. There are rumors that the suspect killed and mutilated his wife due to economic factors because he was in debt of up to IDR 100 million due to his business going bankrupt.

Whatever the reason, Tarsum's merciless actions are reminiscent of a similar case that occurred in Malang, East Java, at the end of December 2023. How James L Tomatala (61), a resident of Bunulrejo Village, Blimbing District, killed and mutilated his wife, NMS ( 55).

The wife's body was cut into several pieces and found in a bucket on the terrace of the house. The perpetrator also asked neighbors to help clean up the location where he killed the victim, before finally surrendering himself to the police.

James underwent a psychiatric examination before eventually being declared normal. The police mentioned that the motive behind the action was due to the perpetrator's frustration because his wife had left the house for months.

Various cases showing perpetrators acting beyond reason and unacceptable to common sense have been increasingly prevalent lately. Citing data from the National Crime Information Center's website (pusiknas.polri.go.id), as many as 3,335 people were killed in four years (2019-2022). The motives are also varied, ranging from robbery to romance.

So, what is actually causing such irrational actions to occur? Is it really just an economic issue or are there other factors involved? Could a perpetrator act recklessly due to a mental condition that renders them unable to cope with the problem they are facing, resulting in such heinous acts?

Regarding mental health, academician at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, Nandy Agustin Syakarofath, Monday (7/5/2024), said that the number of people suffering from mental health problems in Indonesia experiences a significant increase every year.

Even in 2024, the number of people with mental health problems will reach 3.24 million. Those who suffer from mental illness also come from various age groups, not just teenagers. The increasing population experiencing mental disorders is caused by various factors.

Also read: Law on the Health of ODGJ and Mental Health

One factor is environmental change. These environmental changes include social, economic changes and technological developments.

"The change in lifestyle, materialism, and industrialization related to technology sometimes creates social pressure and social isolation that can trigger stress, depression, and even suicide," he said.

Another factor is the increasing pressure to live up to expectations, such as competition in education, work, and social life. These various factors can lead to negative psychological responses.

Someone who frequently experiences high-pressure situations, including academic, economic, and social pressures, is highly related to an increased risk of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety.

"Also, for individuals facing crisis situations like pandemics, wars, natural disasters. This is because suffering in prolonged situations can give rise to anxiety, stress, and various other mental health issues," he said.

Nandy emphasized that the increase of individuals with health problems and mental disorders is similar to an iceberg phenomenon. The data obtained is only a part of the reality.

"As with an iceberg that only highlights some elements above the peak, there are several other important elements that are unseen because they are below the peak. This is caused by increasingly rampant research that yields data or findings like that," he said.

The same goes for access to mental health services that can be felt by the community. High treatment costs, negative labeling, and limited mental health care facilities in some areas are all issues. As a result, those concerned will experience obstacles in obtaining treatment.

KOMPAS/DEFRI WERDIONO

Batik cloth produced by survivors with mental health disorders and the community at the Jiwa-Gerakan Peduli Jiwa Sehat (Gardu Sawah) Posyandu, in Blandit Barat Hamlet, Wonorejo Village, Singosari District, Malang Regency, East Java, on Tuesday (23/4/2024).

To handle this issue, according to him, it is important to have both micro and macro-level efforts. At the micro level, sufferers must be taught to enhance their capacity in managing emotions and coping skills for stress. Hence, they will be able to adapt and handle stress in their daily lives.

"For the macro level, the government should pay more attention to access to mental health services, promotion of community environments that support mental health, training of community workers, and the formation of public policies that support mental health," he said.

All parties and stakeholders must take responsibility for the issue of mental health. Specifically, this includes families, schools, government, the community, and individuals.

Also read: Empowering Ex-ODGJ to Return to Work

Therefore, all stakeholders and sectors must be responsible for addressing mental health issues. Specifically, this includes families, schools, government, communities, and individuals. Collaboration from all of these parties is crucial in creating an environment that supports personal growth and addressing mental health issues faced.

Similar opinions regarding the high number of people suffering from mental health issues were also expressed by Yuniar, the Director of the Jiwa Mental Hospital in Lawang, Malang Regency.

In an empowerment program for ex-mental health patients at the Gardu Sawah Posyandu in Wonorejo Village, Singosari District, recently, Yuniar stated that the number of residents experiencing mental health problems is actually quite high.

However, they have not yet been detected. The percentage of those undergoing treatment is still small. "There are many, but they have not been identified so the exact number is difficult to determine, including the percentage who have received treatment," he said.

So, therefore, it is important to always maintain mental health.…