DENPASAR ~ The number of suicides in Bali has increased this year, with economic issues often a root problem, an official said.

Data from Bali Police showed there were 121 suicides from January to November this year compared to 116 in the same period last year.

Police spokeswoman Sri Harmiti said Buleleng had the highest number of cases at 54, followed by Karangasem regency with 24 and Jembrana with 17.

“Most suicide cases are caused by despair and often there are economic factors,” Harmiti said.

According to psychiatrist Elka Luh Ketut Suryani, depression and physical problems are often reasons for suicide but there are also new causes emerging.

“Family problems are a more recent factor in suicide cases,” she said.

She said that communication between family members was important, as was the government’s role in lowering suicide rates by supporting those desperately in need of economic assistance.