Protecting Vulnerable Groups from the Tsunami of Information that Could Disrupt Mental Health
The intense flow of geopolitical news can become a new stressor, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, disaster survivors, and communities with pre-existing mental conditions.
Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups, Imran Pambudi, stated that in responding to the phenomenon of the flood of geopolitical information impacting the mental health of vulnerable groups, three main aspects need to be emphasised: protection, education, and systemic intervention.
“Society needs to be equipped with the ability to filter which information is true and which is hoaxes, to recognise signs of stress, and simple coping strategies. Public narratives must emphasise that stress reactions are normal, and help channels are available,” said Imran when contacted on Sunday (5/4).
According to him, for vulnerable groups specifically, communication materials must be adapted with simple language, friendly visuals, and easily accessible channels such as community radio, posyandu, or even schools.
In addition, coordination with Kominfo, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and social institutions is needed to manage the flow of information so as not to cause an infodemic that triggers mass anxiety.
The role of puskesmas and mental health services must also be equipped with protocols for early detection of stress symptoms due to excessive information exposure, and rapid response counselling services through mental health hotlines and tele-counselling must be ready to handle surges in cases due to geopolitical anxiety.
“Meanwhile, for groups who have experienced trauma, such as survivors of conflicts or disasters, special attention is needed because they are more vulnerable to triggers from geopolitical news,” he explained.
“Mental health of the community is a national asset. In the era of information floods, our task is not only to treat, but also to protect. With digital literacy, community support, and inclusive mental health services, we ensure that vulnerable groups remain strong in facing global pressures,” he added.
Contacted separately, Member of Commission IX of the Indonesian House of Representatives Irma Suryani Chaniago assessed that the government’s response to the current geopolitical situation can also indirectly impact public mental health issues.
“I think what causes stress is the question of whether the government can survive in this increasingly difficult global economic situation,” said Irma.
According to her, the public is anxious about every government decision regarding the current global situation, which makes the domestic economy increasingly difficult and implies a decline in purchasing power, because prices and staple goods increase while incomes do not rise and even tend to decrease.
“It’s best for the public to save, tighten their belts, pray, and support the government to be able to endure,” she concluded.