EN.malanginspirasi.com – A member of the Malang City Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of suicides among university students, stating that the issue can no longer be viewed merely as a personal problem but as a broader social crisis requiring collective action from all stakeholders.
Dr. Indra Permana, SE., MM., a member of Commission B of the Malang City DPRD, described the situation as a serious wake-up call for local government, universities, and society at large.
“We can no longer simplify this issue as just a personal matter. When case after case continues to occur, the problem lies not only with the individual but with the entire ecosystem that shapes them,” Indra said on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
According to Indra, the surge in student suicides highlights serious weaknesses in the system for building mental resilience and life purpose among the younger generation. Today’s students face multiple layers of pressure, including intense academic demands, high family expectations, and the influence of social media, which often promotes unrealistic standards of success.
“Many students lack adequate tools to manage stress, cope with failure, and find meaning in life. This situation risks producing a generation that is intellectually brilliant but mentally fragile,” he added.
From Academic Pressure to Despair
Indra also criticized the current education system for being overly focused on academic achievement while failing to adequately develop students’ character, leadership skills, and independence.
As a concrete solution, the Malang City DPRD is strongly encouraging the strengthening of entrepreneurship programs among university students. Indra emphasized that entrepreneurship is not merely about business activities but serves as a powerful process for character building.
“Entrepreneurship builds fighting spirit, trains courage in facing risks, and boosts self-confidence. Most importantly, it provides direction and purpose in life,” he asserted.
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He noted that students engaged in productive activities with a clear life vision tend to be more resilient against pressure and less likely to fall into despair. Additionally, a strong entrepreneurship movement is expected to stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and strengthening the regional economic base.
Indra stressed that these efforts require cross-sector collaboration between local government, higher education institutions, and the business community. Proposed initiatives include developing student business incubators, providing mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and creating healthy, productive spaces for self-actualization.
Furthermore, strengthening leadership education is considered essential so students can better manage emotions, make sound decisions, and recover from setbacks.
“The issue of suicide is not only about life pressures but also about the loss of hope and direction,” Indra concluded.
He expressed hope that Malang City will not only be known as a city of education but also as a birthplace for a younger generation that is mentally tough, independent, and highly competitive.
