Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Monday informed that 4.4 percent, or approximately 338,000 children, showed symptoms of anxiety disorders. Meanwhile, 4.8 percent, or approximately 363,000 children, showed symptoms of depression.
"This indicates that mental health issues are significant," the minister noted.
According to him, mental health issues in children require serious attention as they can lead to suicide. Data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey shows an increasing trend in children attempting suicide, from 3.9 percent in 2015 to 10.7 percent in 2023.
He then explained that mental health issues in children are influenced not only by individual factors, but also by family, friendship, and educational environments.
"We should also improve the family's parenting style and learning environment. We need to promote life skills and First Aid for Psychological Wounds (P3LP). Everyone faces stress, but the most important thing is how to respond effectively," Sadikin said.
Following up on these findings, his office is targeting expanding CKG screening to reach 25 million children.
Meanwhile, the ministry's Director General of Primary and Community Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, stated that the screening results will be followed up by Community Health Centers (Puskesmas).
The government is currently speeding up efforts to increase the number of clinical psychologists at Community Health Centers, which are still limited to about 203. Mental health crisis support is also offered via Healing119.id for rapid intervention.
In the education sector, the ministry is encouraging the role of Guidance and Counseling teachers and homeroom teachers to assist students detected with such symptoms.
Sumiwi then conveyed that early detection efforts are also carried out by the signing of a Joint Decree (SKB) on Child Mental Health by nine ministries and institutions on March 5, 2026.
"This collaboration aims to build an integrated child mental health management system, from prevention (promotive-preventive) to treatment (curative-rehabilitative)," she noted.
In the education sector, the ministry is encouraging the role of guidance and counseling teachers and homeroom teachers to assist students who show such symptoms.
Sumiwi added that early detection efforts are also being strengthened through the signing of a Joint Decree (SKB) on Child Mental Health by nine ministries and institutions on March 5, 2026.
"This collaboration aims to build an integrated child mental health management system, from prevention to treatment," she said.
The nine agencies involved include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, the Ministry of Communication and Digital, and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
Followed by the Ministry of Population and Family Development, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the National Police.
Through the Joint Decree, the government guarantees the confidentiality of children's personal data to prevent stigma and ensure that every child receives comprehensive mental health protection, both at school and at home.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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