Ministry of Health Identifies Hundreds of Thousands of Children Showing Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Jakarta — The Ministry of Health has identified indications of mental health problems including anxiety and depression affecting hundreds of thousands of children.
The findings emerged following health screening of approximately 7 million children through the Free Health Screening programme for the 2025–2026 period.
Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin detailed that 4.4 per cent, or approximately 338,000 children, demonstrated symptoms of anxiety disorder, whilst 4.8 per cent, or approximately 363,000 children, of those screened showed symptoms of depression.
“This demonstrates that mental health problems are extremely significant,” Budi stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Health’s office in South Jakarta.
Data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey indicates that child suicide attempts have risen markedly, increasing from 3.9 per cent in 2015 to 10.7 per cent in 2023.
Children’s mental health challenges are influenced not only by individual factors but also by family environments, friendships, and educational settings.
“What needs to be improved is not merely the children themselves, but also family parenting patterns and learning environments. We must promote life skills and First Aid for Psychological Injury (P3LP). Everyone inevitably faces pressure, but what matters is how we respond to it constructively,” Budi said.
To address these findings, the Ministry of Health is targeting expansion of screening coverage to reach 25 million children. The government is also accelerating the recruitment of clinical psychologists at primary health centres, where supply currently remains limited at approximately 203 personnel.
Additionally, the government has activated mental health crisis services through Healing119.id to support rapid interventions.
In the education sector, the Ministry of Health is encouraging guidance and counselling teachers and classroom teachers to support students identified as showing symptoms.
Early detection efforts are further reinforced through a joint ministerial decree on child mental health signed by nine government agencies and institutions on 5 March 2026.
This collaboration aims to establish an integrated child mental health management system, ranging from preventive measures to treatment and rehabilitation. Through the decree, the government also guarantees confidentiality of children’s personal data to prevent stigmatisation and ensure every child receives comprehensive mental health protection in both school and family environments.