28 Million Indonesians Facing Mental Health Issues

Indonesia’s Health Minister, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, announced a concerning estimate that approximately 28 million of the country’s citizens suffer from mental health issues. This estimation is based on data from the World Health Organization, which suggests that one in eight people globally is likely to encounter such issues. In Indonesia, with a population of 280 million, this translates to at least 28 million people. The minister discussed this during a broadcast on ‘Selamat Pagi Indonesia’ on Metro TV. Mental health challenges in the country range from depression and anxiety disorders to more severe conditions. A crucial task for the authorities remains the detection and adequate treatment of these issues. The government plans to enhance mental health services, especially at the primary healthcare level, such as Puskesmas. This effort includes early screening, counseling services, and medication provision. The government’s focus on mental health issues is highly pertinent today and is a priority area in their work.