Social exclusion among people with mental health conditions in Indonesia: The case of Pasung

This chapter puts into spotlight a troubling yet prevalent case of social exclusion targeted toward people with mental health conditions (PMHC) in Indonesia. One extreme example is pasung, an inhumane practice of physical restraint and confinement of PMHC, which is birthed from barriers in both personal and systemic level to seek mental health care. The chapter opens the discussion from the current situation of mental health conditions in Indonesia and moves toward the social exclusion of Indonesian PMHC. Multifaceted forms of exclusion are further explored. As the main analysis, a brief observational survey to PMHC respondents across the country is conducted and respective social indicators are analyzed, to shed light on the extent of social inclusion of PMHC. Finally, strategies supporting inclusivity currently being implemented in Indonesia are examined. It is hoped that the narrative and methodology presented in this chapter may invite policymakers and relevant stakeholders to prioritize inclusivity programs for PMHC in Indonesia, and most importantly, to galvanize and sustain efforts toward the eradication of pasung in all corners of the Indonesian archipelago.