Discrimination of Persons with Mental Illness: Testing the Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness and the Improvement of Mental Health Care in Indonesia

This qualitative study investigated discrimination against people with mental illnesses in Indonesia, which is contrary to the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in the National Mental Health Act (MHA). The tradition of shackles (pasung) has resulted in ongoing suffering due to ineffective actions that violate human freedom and are contrary to human values. We discuss the impact of discriminatory actions on individual freedom rights in the context of human rights and dignity. The results of this study on the number of cases of shackles and the differences between International Mental Health standards and the Indonesian Mental Health Act are also presented. This study examined the consequences of and relationships between the National Mental Health Act’s ineffectiveness and ongoing human suffering.