PERCUT SEI TUAN, NORTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA – AUGUST 4, 2025 In the middle of a busy street in the Perumnas Mandala area, a terrifying incident occurred. An unknown, evidently mentally ill man shocked all passersby and drivers when he stabbed himself in the stomach three times and then attempted to cut his own throat.
Several witnesses stated that he first ran around the street half-naked in confusion and was hitting himself on the head with two stones. Then he headed to a fruit and vegetable stall, where he stole a knife and walked to the middle of the road. He began stabbing himself in the stomach repeatedly until his intestines spilled out, and then started cutting his throat. Despite losing a lot of blood, he remained conscious and continued moving around the street.
Shocked witnesses were initially afraid to approach, because such a man with a knife in his hand is unpredictable. His self-harming was stopped only by a young man named Riau, who snatched the knife from his hand. Still, the man tried to continue self-harming, sticking his fingers into his wounds and pulling them open.
His life-threatening behavior and the fact that he was no longer armed prompted several people to restrain him and tie his hands, likely saving his life. He was transported to Bhayangkara Medan Hospital, where doctors stabilized his condition.
Currently, the police are working to determine his identity, and doctors are trying to diagnose his mental disorder. The incident sparked a strong reaction on Indonesian social media.
If you're thinking about self-harm, please stop and recognize that this won't solve the pain you're feeling. While it might seem like a way to cope, it leaves lasting scars, not just on your body but on your heart as well. There are healthier, safer ways to manage your emotions.
Every wound you inflict is a cry for help. You are not alone. Reaching out to someone you trust can be the first step toward finding a way out of this dark place. You deserve kindness, support, and real healing.
If you need immediate help, please contact a helpline.
