"Above and beyond the stunting rate of 24.4 percent in Indonesia, it is also important for everyone to pay attention to cases of teenagers with mental and emotional disorders," Wardoyo stated in Yogyakarta, Monday.
According to the agency head, cases of emotional disturbances in teenagers should also be considered in order to make the most of Indonesia's demographic bonus and achieve the target of Golden Indonesia in 2045.
"We must be able to address the problem in our young generation," he stated.
Wardoyo said the condition of teenagers with mental-emotional disorders increased, from 6.9 percent in 2013 to 9.8 percent in 2018.
If given the responsibility, teenagers, with mental emotional disorders, will choose to be alone and often skip school, he pointed out.
"Some four of five people in 100 people in Kulon Progo District, Yogyakarta, have experienced this. If given a job or responsibility, they will not finish it," Wardoyo, who once served as head of Kulon Progo District, remarked.
To prevent cases of teenagers with mental disorders, good parenting patterns and adequate nutrition are needed, as well as avoiding early marriages, he stated.
He expressed optimism that teenagers would not only think about marriage but also consider their health and pre-conception aspects.
Wardoyo admitted to being concerned and saddened on having received information regarding girls, who became pregnant at a young age.
"I cry knowing about this. Young-age marriage is not good because the pelvis is not ready, normally, it is 10 cm. Of course, they could have surgery or cesarean birth, but what about those who are in remote areas far from health facilities and obstetricians," he stated.
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Translator: Luqman Hakim, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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