The APCS was opened by Chief of Naval Staff Deputy Assistant Personnel Brigadier General Endang Taryo. He represented naval chief Admiral Muhammad Ali at the event.
The event was attended by representatives of the mental development department and defense attachés of friendly countries, including the United States, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Taryo noted that the symposium on mental development for soldiers was the first to be held by the Navy and the Indonesian Military (TNI).
"We hope that TNI can exchange ideas, discuss, and conduct mental maintenance steps among Navy marines," he said.
He emphasized that mental health maintenance activities are important considering the complexity of life challenges and technological developments that affect soldiers' mental health.
However, he did not divulge data on the actual number of Navy soldiers experiencing mental health disorders.
"The details may not be conveyed here, but, broadly speaking, the percentage is less than one percent," he added.
Taryo said the success in maintaining Indonesian soldiers' mental health has become a benchmark for other countries.
Nevertheless, efforts to keep soldiers from getting influenced by ideologies that are contrary to the Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution are still being strengthened.
He also cited the good impressions of other countries about the mental health programs developed by the Navy.
The Navy is aware that the mental health of soldiers highly influences their performance on duty, he said.
According to him, mental health programs can monitor the problems that exist in the military, such as how soldiers experience stress on duty, both on the battlefield and in regular tasks.
He said the APCS’ theme of "Fostering Resilience through Religious Support" this year seeks to promote the important role of mental health development officers in shaping, maintaining, and improving soldiers' mental states.
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Translator: Rolandus N, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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