Speaking in Jakarta on Monday, Sadikin said the program reached about seven million children in 2025, out of a total target of 25 million people.
Data from the program showed that around 338,000 children displayed symptoms of anxiety, while about 363,000 showed signs of depression.
He also revealed that four children aged between 11 and 14 died by suicide in 2026. The cases were reported in East Nusa Tenggara, West Java, Central Java, and East Kalimantan.
Sadikin said family problems, including domestic conflicts and parenting patterns, are among the main factors that can lead children to develop suicidal thoughts.
Another contributing factor is the social environment, particularly bullying in schools.
To address the issue, the Health Ministry plans to expand mental health screening through the Free Health Check program to identify children at risk as early as possible.
The ministry will also provide education for teachers to help them better recognize social pressures among students, such as bullying, and respond effectively.
“We will also continue to operate emergency helplines. If they are struggling, they can contact us,” Sadikin said.
For children who require follow-up care, the ministry is preparing clinical protocols and treatment plans. Community Health Centers, known locally as puskesmas, will also be equipped with professionals capable of providing mental health treatment.
Sadikin added that the ministry has coordinated with Primary and Secondary Education Minister Abdul Mu’ti to strengthen support systems in schools so that mental health services are available for students in need.
He also confirmed that the government has issued a joint ministerial decree involving nine ministers and heads of agencies to strengthen national efforts to protect children’s mental health.
Sadikin urged the media to report mental health cases in a positive, educational, and balanced manner, including by protecting patient privacy, in order to safeguard the mental well-being of affected individuals and the broader public.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Raka Adji
Editor: Primayanti
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