While Bali often boasts itself to be a “heaven on earth.” While the Island is unarguably a heavenly destination, there is a very dark secret hidden behind its shining persona: the Island Province of Bali endures a very high suicide rate.
In a recent week in May 2025, suicide deaths were recorded with the deaths of a travel driver in Kerobokan, the deaths of an individual in Badung, and another death of a housewife in Tabanan. There has also been a recent spate of people self-destructing by jumping from Bali’s highest bridge.
Kompas.com, quoting a Bali-based psychiatric specialist, Dr. I. Gusti Rai Putra Wiguna, SpKJ, stated that the revelation of feelings of guilt or expressing emotional angst with colleagues and friends remains rare among people in Bali. Instead, many choose to suppress exposing their emotional burdens, choosing to spiral into depression and despair. Dr. Rai told the press on Friday, 23 May 2025, “The Governor is in the process of preparing a ‘Guide to a Healthy and Happy Lifestyle.’ Dr. Rai is also urging that sections of the book address dealing with feelings of guilt and how artistic expression can precipitate feelings of happiness
A founder of the “Bisa Helpline” – a mental health support service, Dr. Rai continues to work on ways to reduce suicide rates in Bali.
Dr. Rai highlighted that several factors, such as quality of life, socio-economic pressures, and mental health, can all trigger incidents of suicide.
Who are the most vulnerable groups for incidents of suicide? Adolescents, the elderly, people with disabilities, survivors of mental disorders, minority groups, and those living with chronic physical illnesses are groups in which suicide is most prevalent.
Data from 2023 shows that Bali recorded the highest suicide rate in Indonesia, at 3.07 per 100,000 residents—almost twice that of the second-highest-ranked province. Data sources from 2018 also show that Bali is among the provinces with the highest rates of severe mental disorders in Indonesia. Unfortunately, less than half of those in Bali with mental disorders receive regular treatment.
Dr. Rai reports has initiated cross-sector brainstorming to find solutions, but unfortunately, the recommendations put forward have not been widely accepted or adopted by Bali’s leaders. Dr. Rai believes that concrete steps, such as opening a space to vent or using art as therapy, could help alleviate the suicide problem in Bali.
Clearly, behind its beautiful beaches and captivating culture, Bali holds significant challenges in the area of mental health.
Related Links
Deadly Bali: Highest National Suicide Rate
Suicide in Bali 8 X the National Average
Editorial: Need for a Bali Crisis Center
American Commits Suicide in Ubud, Bali
Curry in Bali’s George Thomas Dies at 55
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