In commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), the Ruqyah On The Street (RoS) Batam Community, together with Yayasan An Nubuwwah Batam, held a large-scale ruqyah activity in the area of Barelang Bridge I, Batam, Riau Islands, on Friday (21/11/2025) at 8:00 a.m.
This activity served as a form of spiritual concern as well as a response to suicide incidents that have occurred at the iconic landmark of Batam City, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia.
The ruqyah was carried out on a large scale using a 5,000-liter water tanker to sprinkle ruqyah water along Barelang Bridge I.
This action combined spiritual efforts, prayers for safety, and a call for greater awareness of mental health issues in the community.
RoS data recorded 7 suicide cases at Barelang from January 1 to December 31, 2024 (6 fatalities, 1 survivor).
Meanwhile, from January to October 2025, there were 4 cases (2 fatalities, 1 survivor, and 1 unknown). This makes a total of 11 cases over two years.
RoS Batam Coordinator, Muhammad Ikhsan, said the activity aligned with the spirit of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) as a global campaign to eliminate stigma and increase attention toward suicide prevention.
“This ruqyah does not mean we can eliminate suicide cases entirely, but it is a spiritual effort. What matters most is monitoring and mental guidance. Barelang needs a dedicated support post,” said Muhammad Ikhsan at Barelang Bridge I.
Ikhsan also highlighted the need for additional CCTV cameras and recalibration of existing cameras to strengthen monitoring at high-risk points.
“We do not want Barelang Bridge I to become another Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge in California, USA, is widely known as a location for suicide attempts,” he emphasized.
He expressed appreciation for the security post team at Barelang Bridge I, who have been consistently conducting early detection of individuals potentially intending to jump.
“We often hear reports from the post commander about signs of people planning to jump. Coordination with local vendors around the bridge in reporting suspicious indicators has also been very good. We truly appreciate that,” he said.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) itself is observed every September 10 as a global moment to foster open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
This year’s ruqyah by RoS and Yayasan An Nubuwwah Batam carried a message of hope: neutralizing negative energy at high-risk locations, removing the aura of despair, praying for Batam residents to be protected from suicidal impulses, and strengthening individuals who are at their lowest mental point.
Chairman of Yayasan An Nubuwwah Batam, Ustaz Muhammad Candra P. Pusponegoro Rizqi Marzaqah Al Hana, who led the ruqyah, said that this comprehensive cleansing was a continuation of the first activity held on Friday, July 19, 2024.
“This is part of our collective effort to care for the community’s well-being. Suicide incidents at Barelang show the need for a balance between social, spiritual, and mental education approaches,” he explained.
Using a 5,000-Liter Water Tanker for Ruqyah Sprinkling
The activity began with a two-rakaat sunnah prayer, followed by collective supplication and the preparation of ruqyah water inside the tanker.
The sprinkling was done on both sides of the pedestrian walkway along the 1,284 meter bridge.
Candra explained that performing ruqyah on an environment or inanimate objects is permissible in Islamic teachings because negative energy and al ‘ain can affect certain places.
“Water symbolizes mercy and tranquility. We hope that Barelang Bridge I will no longer carry an aura of despair for people experiencing life pressures,” said Candra after completing the ruqyah.
Data from the National Criminal Information Center (Pusiknas) of the Indonesian Police Headquarters shows that the national suicide rate has increased by 60 % over the past five years.
WHO also notes that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with the 15–29 age group being the most vulnerable.
This situation underscores the importance of local preventive efforts, particularly in high-risk tourist areas such as Barelang.
During the activity, Ustaz Muhammad Candra P. Pusponegoro Rizqi Marzaqah Al Hana also conveyed his hopes to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, urging increased attention to mental health issues, spirituality, and public safety.
“The suicide incidents in Barelang I bridge show that people need compassion, social support, and spiritual guidance. We hope Mr. President Prabowo strengthens suicide prevention programs across the country,” he said.
The Head of the Barelang Bridge Security Post, Blasius Buang, expressed appreciation for the ruqyah activity.
“Hopefully in the future, there will be no more—or at least fewer—cases of people jumping from Barelang Bridge I,” hoped Blasius Buang.
The event was also attended by Bhabinkamtibmas Tembesi Officer Bripka Roy Pane Sitorus, Tembesi Babinsa Kopda Karya, and RoS Field Leader Nov Iwandra.
Through this comprehensive ruqyah, RoS hopes that Batam residents will become more concerned about mental health, not hesitate to seek help, and support one another within their communities.
The event opened with the pinning of Anti-Suicide Campaign badges by Ustaz Muhammad Candra P. Pusponegoro Rizqi Marzaqah Al Hana to the security post commander, Babinsa, and Bhabinkamtibmas as a symbol of a united movement against despair.
A suicide prevention campaign banner was also installed at one corner of Barelang Bridge. RoS Field Leader Nov Iwandra added:
“We pray that all of us are protected from misfortune. For anyone who may be feeling hopeless, we urge you to be mindful, to choose better actions, so that no more incidents or tragedies occur at this place,” said Nov Iwandra.
