Coercion (pasung) and people with a mental disorder in Indonesia: Bioethics and health law

Arbitrary coercion (pasung) in people with a mental disorder not only violates human rights but also basic requirements of bioethics and health law. Within Indonesia coercion is a national issue in many regions. It hinders Indonesia's national programs, such as the “Indonesia Bebas Pasung” (Indonesia free from coercion). Mental disorder is not an issue just for the family. It is also a national problem. Indonesia's government has been working to regulate mental health and coercion, but yet there is no proper implementation which frustrates achieving a society living with good mental health. Action is possible to restore a person with a mental disorder to the community enabling them to undertake an active role; restore and shape their core basic skills to achieve greater independence; and to involve families and communities. Mental disorder treatment and care require the participation of family and society to achieve a system that respect mental health law and bioethical standards.