Child Suicides in Tana Toraja No Longer Reported Thanks to Pondok Kasih Foundation’s Efforts

The Pondok Kasih Foundation runs programs addressing issues like drugs, promiscuity, abortion, suicide, and disunity among youth in South Sulawesi and Central Sulawesi. Through its youth initiative, events were held in Palu (July 25-26, 2023), Sigi (July 27, 2023), and Tana Toraja (July 31-August 1, 2023).

Tana Toraja, known for its costly funerals and natural beauty, faces a high youth suicide rate—30 cases in 2020 and 22 from 2021 to 2023. Causes include loneliness, neglect, bullying, family issues, and past suicide influences. Stakeholders have shown little response.

To help, the foundation held a seminar on July 31 and August 1, 2023, attended by 2,500 students, teachers, and local leaders at the Rantepao House of Prayer. The goals were to protect youth, promote unity, instill faith, morality, tolerance, and leadership, and prepare them for future roles.

Over the past year, 16 volunteers from “Pondok Kasih Toraja” reached 7,550 students in nine schools. Thanks to their efforts, no new suicides have been reported recently.