Bandung Mayor: 75,000 Students Identified with Mental Health Disorders

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan has disclosed that approximately 75,000 students from primary to secondary school level in Bandung have been identified with mental health disorders based on a survey conducted by the Health Department.

“The figure stands at 75,000. This is not insignificant, but we must approach it carefully,” said Farhan in Bandung on Monday (2 March 2026).

He acknowledged that the greatest challenge in addressing mental health issues is denial, particularly from parents who believe their children are in good condition. Parents are reluctant to acknowledge the possibility of problems.

“When discussing mental disorders, we often look at other people’s children. Rarely do we reflect on ourselves, wondering if my own child might have such issues,” said Farhan.

Farhan emphasised that Bandung City Government would not publicise the data excessively. The approach would be implemented gradually to avoid triggering panic among the public.

“We will introduce this gradually. No large-scale campaigns,” said Farhan.

As a concrete step, he continued, Bandung City Government will synchronise mental health services down to the community health centre level and require all health centres to eventually provide clinical psychology services.

Farhan stated that initial assessment of students will be conducted by guidance and counselling teachers before they are referred to health centres for further treatment.

From the guidance teachers’ assessments, psychologists will conduct further evaluation according to the level of need. Not all students automatically undergo clinical consultation, but rather based on professional recommendation.

“Psychologists will provide capacity building to guidance and counselling teachers. This way, they will be able to detect issues earlier,” said Farhan.

He gave examples of behavioural changes, such as students who were initially cheerful becoming withdrawn or high-performing students who suddenly lose their motivation to learn, will be noted and reviewed further.