Gaspol Goes to Campus: The Politics of an Obstetrician, Be Careful When Choosing Toxic Leaders

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com — As an obstetrician and gynaecologist specialist, Yogyakarta Mayor Hasto Wardoyo employs a rather unique approach in empowering the community.

Much like diagnosing a disease in the human body, he has developed the habit of first reading the symptoms that emerge within society.

From there, he attempts to trace the root of the problem before determining the appropriate course of action.

“In medicine, we are taught diagnosis, diagnosis, diagnosis repeatedly before therapy. We continue with therapy only after we have thoroughly ascertained the underlying cause,” said Hasto during Gaspol Goes to Campus at FISIP Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, which aired on Kompas.com YouTube on Thursday (12/3/2026).

“Society should operate the same way. Sometimes decisions are made when society doesn’t actually need them,” he added.

He further noted that out of every 100 people, approximately six to nine experience mental health disorders or mental disorders. Such conditions, according to him, can affect anyone, including local government heads and politicians.

For this reason, he emphasised that it is important for society to be alert so as not to become trapped selecting leaders with toxic tendencies.

“Because their thinking is often strange. So when choosing a person, we should look at their track record. Don’t forget that every population has toxic people in it—if possible, don’t slip up and choose someone toxic,” said Hasto.