Ministry of Health Urges Mental Health Protection in Response to "Daycare" Case

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has stated that the case of violence at a childcare facility (daycare) in Yogyakarta serves as a harsh reminder that Indonesia’s child protection system remains fragile and requires immediate strengthening, including in terms of mental health.

Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, dr. Imran Pambudi, said in Jakarta on Monday that the theme for National Education Day 2026 is Strengthening Universal Participation to Realise Quality Education for All.

“This theme is not merely a ceremonial slogan; it is a call for education to be viewed as a collective responsibility—not just about curriculum and exams, but also about the safety, well-being, and mental health of the children growing up within it,” Imran stated.

He assessed that schools must become places where children learn not only to read and count, but also to care for themselves, respect others’ boundaries, and feel protected. Educators and caregivers need to delve into positive parenting, which is currently being promoted by the Ministry of Health, to create mentally healthy environments for children and students both at home and in school.

According to him, the momentum of Hardiknas 2026 must be utilised to translate the rhetoric of universal participation into real policies and actions. In March, a Joint Ministerial Decree on Child Mental Health was signed by nine ministers, which should serve as a momentum for enhancing cross-sector collaboration.

Current education challenges are multi-dimensional. On one hand, there are still gaps in access and infrastructure. On the other hand, curricula and learning practices must continue to be adapted to remain relevant. However, there is another dimension that often receives less attention, namely mental health and child protection.

“Without serious attention to this aspect, efforts to improve academic achievements will always be hindered by trauma, anxiety, and unsafe environments,” he said.

The impact of violence on children is not only physical injuries; short-term trauma can reduce learning ability, disrupt sleep, and alter behaviour, while long-term effects can include mental health disorders such as depression or PTSD that hinder social development and future productivity.

In his view, schools and childcare services must be at the forefront of prevention and handling. Child-friendly daycare operational standards—from appropriate caregiver ratios, safe and healthy physical environments, to reporting and supervision mechanisms—are not luxuries, but basic necessities.

Practical steps such as operational permit audits, periodic inspections, installation of safe reporting systems, and provision of counselling services in schools must become part of national and regional agendas.

Furthermore, he said, strengthening educator capacity must include practical training, supervisory support, and access to mental health services for educators themselves, because mentally healthy teachers are better able to create safe and supportive learning environments.

“Ultimately, the greatest investment this nation can make is to ensure every child grows up in a safe, healthy, and loving environment, a quality education that not only sharpens intelligence but also protects the dignity and future of the next generation,” he stated.