Jakarta \u2014 Indonesia\u2019s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has stated\nthat the Free Health Check (Cek Kesehatan Gratis, CKG) programme for\n2025\u20132026 has identified mental health problems including symptoms of\nanxiety and depression in nearly 10 per cent of approximately 7 million\nchildren screened, describing this as a significant finding.<\/p>\n
Budi said in Jakarta on Monday that approximately 4.4 per cent, or\nroughly 338,000 children, showed symptoms of anxiety disorder, whilst\n4.8 per cent, or approximately 363,000 children, showed symptoms of\ndepression disorder.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis demonstrates that mental health problems are quite\nsubstantial,\u201d Budi stated.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that children\u2019s mental health problems require serious\nattention as they can lead to suicide-related deaths. Data from the\nGlobal School-Based Student Health Survey shows an increasing trend in\nchild suicide attempts, rising from 3.9 per cent in 2015 to 10.7 per\ncent in 2023.<\/p>\n
He explained that mental health problems in children are influenced\nnot only by individual factors but also by family environment,\nfriendships, and education.<\/p>\n
In response to these findings, the government is targeting the\nexpansion of CKG screening to reach 25 million children. Maria Endang\nSumiwi, Director General of Primary Health and Community Health, stated\nthat screening results will be followed up by community health centres\n(Puskesmas).<\/p>\n
The government is currently accelerating the recruitment of clinical\npsychologists at Puskesmas, where numbers remain limited at\napproximately 203 personnel. Additionally, the government has\nestablished mental health crisis services through Healing119.id to\nsupport rapid intervention.<\/p>\n
In the education sector, the Health Ministry is promoting the role of\nschool counselling teachers and classroom teachers in supporting\nstudents identified with symptoms.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis collaboration aims to build an integrated system for managing\nchildren\u2019s mental health, from prevention through to treatment and\nrehabilitation,\u201d the ministry stated.<\/p>\n
Nine government agencies are involved, including the Health Ministry,\nMinistry of Women\u2019s Empowerment and Child Protection, Communications\nCommission, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Home\nAffairs\/National Population and Family Planning Board, Ministry of\nReligion, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, and\nthe National Police.<\/p>\n
Through this coordination, the government is also guaranteeing the\nconfidentiality of children\u2019s personal data to prevent stigma and to\nensure every child receives comprehensive mental health protection in\nboth school and family environments.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/health-minister-hundreds-of-thousands-of-children-show-anxiety-and-depression-symptoms-mental-health-crisis-1773060893", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }