Human Rights Watch has released a new video in a bid to end shackling of people with mental health problems in Indonesia.
HRW says: “People with psychosocial disabilities (mental health conditions) in Indonesia are shackled or forced into institutions where they often face physical and sexual violence, involuntary treatment including electroshock therapy, seclusion, restraint and forced contraception.”
The shackling of these people is called ‘pasung’ in Indonesia and is very common.
“It means the person must sleep, defecate, urinate, and eat at the same place.”
'Pasung' has been banned since 1977, however the government estimates that there are about 18,000 people still shackled in Indonesia.