Hundreds of Thousands of Indonesian Children Experience Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
The Free Health Check (CKG) programme for 2025-2026 has detected mental health problems in nearly 10% of Indonesian children. From approximately 7 million children screened, the Ministry of Health has identified significant indicators of anxiety and depression.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin revealed that 4.4%, or around 338,000 children, show symptoms of anxiety disorder, whilst 4.8%, or around 363,000 children, show symptoms of depression disorder. “This demonstrates that mental health problems are very substantial,” Budi stated.
According to him, mental health problems in children warrant serious attention as they can result in suicide. Data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey shows an increasing trend of children attempting suicide, rising from 3.9% in 2015 to 10.7% in 2023.
The problems stem not only from individual factors but also from family environment, friendships, and education. “What needs improvement is not just the children themselves, but also family parenting patterns and learning environments. We need to promote life skills and First Aid for Psychological Injuries (P3LP). Everyone faces pressure, but what matters is how we respond to it well,” he explained.
Following these findings, the Ministry of Health aims to expand CKG screening to reach 25 million children. Results will be followed up by community health centres (puskesmas). The government is accelerating the recruitment of clinical psychologists at puskesmas, which currently employ only around 203 specialists. Additionally, the government has established a mental health crisis service through Healing119.id to support rapid intervention.
In the education sector, the Ministry of Health is promoting the role of guidance and counselling teachers and classroom teachers in supporting identified students. Early detection efforts are strengthened through a joint ministerial decree on child mental health signed by nine ministries and agencies. This collaboration aims to build an integrated child mental health management system, from prevention to treatment and rehabilitation.
The nine agencies involved include the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Ministry of Digital Affairs, Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs/BKKBN, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Affairs, and the National Police.
Through this agreement, the government ensures the confidentiality of children’s personal data to prevent stigmatisation and guarantees comprehensive mental health protection for every child in both school and family environments.