Jakarta.The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (MoH) has disclosed that more than two million children in Indonesia are currently experiencing mental health disorders.
This disclosure follows a large-scale free mental health screening initiative that reached approximately 20 million individuals nationwide.
Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono announced the findings during the World Mental Health Day commemoration event held in Tangerang. “From the reports we received through the free mental-health screening programme covering around 20 million people, there are more than two million children experiencing mental-health disorders,” he said.
Key Findings & Government Response
- The screening campaign, which spanned numerous regions and demographics, identified that the mental-health burden on children is significantly higher than previously estimated.
- In response, the Ministry launched an online counselling platform — Healing 119.id — that offers 24-hour support from clinical and social psychologists. Users can access the service anonymously.
- Within just three months of its launch, the platform has been visited by over 45,000 users, indicating a strong demand for accessible mental-health support.
- Deputy Minister Harbuwono emphasized that mental-health challenges such as stress, depression and suicidal thoughts are daily realities for many, and called for communal psycho-social support. “A small greeting, a “how are you?”, might become a positive source of energy that can save someone from despair,” he said.
Why This Matters
The figure of over two million children with mental-health disorders reflects a major public-health concern for Indonesia’s younger generation. The high screening coverage suggests the results are credible and signify a substantial segment of youth in need of support. Early intervention and accessible services — like the Healing 119.id platform — are critical to mitigate long-term consequences for individuals, families and society.
What’s Next?
- The Ministry aims to expand awareness campaigns and integrate mental-health education into schools and community programmes.
- Scaling up access to online and offline counselling services will be a priority, particularly in underserved areas.
- Monitoring and follow-up of children identified through screenings will be important to ensure effective care and recovery.
- Community involvement — including parents, teachers and peers — is vital in creating a supportive environment that reduces stigma and enables open discussion of mental-health issues.
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