Coordinating Minister for People's Empowerment Urges Mental Health as Strategic National Agenda
Coordinating Minister for People’s Empowerment A. Muhaimin Iskandar has stated that various tragic events that have occurred recently, including cases of suicide among children and adolescents, represent a serious alarm to make mental health a strategic national agenda.
This statement was delivered by Muhaimin at a Solidarity Dialogue and Public Participation event titled “Strengthening Psychosocial Resilience as the Foundation of People’s Empowerment” at the University of Indonesia, Salemba Campus, Jakarta on Friday (27 February).
“Once again, mental health becomes a strategic agenda and shared responsibility,” said Muhaimin.
The Ministry of Health noted that approximately 28 million Indonesians experience mental health problems. This figure indicates a complex and multidimensional issue, ranging from structural poverty, weakened social cohesion, to a lack of psychosocial support.
“This demonstrates an alarming iceberg that at any time could become larger and more severe,” added Muhaimin.
He explained that mental health disorders do not exist in isolation, but are triggered by complex factors such as structural poverty, socio-economic pressure, weakened social cohesion, and a lack of literacy and psychosocial support at the community level.
“That is the challenge we must address together to invite and jointly overcome both the consequences and begin with the triggers of these very complex mental health disturbances,” he said.
To this end, Muhaimin emphasised the importance of a comprehensive approach that not only addresses consequences but also tackles the root causes systematically. This can be done through strengthening regulations, targeted budget politics, and sustained collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations.
Muhaimin stressed that people’s empowerment is not merely an economic matter, but also strengthening psychological wellbeing. Without psychosocial resilience, development will not be sustainable.
“When people are psychosocially resilient, they will become strong, creative individuals, and of course become a force that will be empowered,” said Muhaimin.
On the same occasion, Coordinating Minister Muhaimin also expressed appreciation to activists, including Ida Fauzia, as well as support from academics at the University of Indonesia. He noted that the government continues to strengthen access to mental health services through the National Health Insurance (JKN).
“Today we as members of the nation are required to work together to ensure that no one bears the burden alone, but we have siblings, we have family, we become one unity,” concluded Muhaimin.