Ministry of Health: Children's Mental Health Begins at Home, Highlights Risks of 'Fatherless' Upbringing

The Ministry of Health has emphasised that a child’s mental health begins at home, warning that the absence of a father figure can increase the risk of mental health issues among children. Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, stated in Jakarta on Tuesday that the presence of both parents, fully carrying out family functions with affection, is crucial for building a strong and confident generation. He stressed the importance of a father’s emotional, psychological, and social involvement in parenting to foster mental resilience from an early age. Data indicates that approximately one-third of Indonesian adolescents experience mental health problems, with the phenomenon of ‘fatherlessness’—minimal paternal involvement—identified as a worsening risk factor. Children who grow up without paternal support are more vulnerable to bullying, brawls, and drug abuse. A mental health screening programme conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2025–2026 found that nearly 10 per cent of Indonesian children experience mental health issues. Out of approximately 7 million children screened, 4.4 per cent, or 338,000 children, showed symptoms of anxiety, while 4.8 per cent, or 363,000 children, experienced depression. More alarmingly, data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey recorded a significant increase in suicide attempts among adolescents, rising from 3.9 per cent in 2015 to 10.7 per cent in 2023. Imran explained that consistently implementing the eight family functions serves as a primary fortress for children’s mental health. The Ministry of Health’s positive parenting campaign encourages simple yet impactful practices, such as spending 15–30 minutes without gadgets to play or talk with children, listening to their stories without judgement, and focusing on their potential. Fathers are expected to be loving role models, demonstrating how to manage stress and apply positive discipline without violence. A balanced presence of both father and mother builds a secure attachment, enabling children to regulate emotions, form resilience, and develop self-confidence. When both are equally present, children grow up in an emotionally safe environment rich in role models and resilient enough to face the digital era. Conversely, gadget dominance and the risk of ‘emotional fatherlessness’—where a father is physically present but not emotionally engaged—can cause children to lose their primary support and seek attention outside the home.