Mitra Tarigan, Jakarta – The General Chairperson of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association (IPK) for the 2025-2029 period, Retno Kumolohadi, stated that the Indonesian government needs serious, targeted, and measured steps to address mental health issues in Indonesia.

"The high rates of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and suicide cases make the need for mental health services increasingly urgent," said Retno.

Retno conveyed seven strategic recommendations from IPK to strengthen national mental health services. "The prevalence of mental health problems and disorders is very high in Indonesia, and it can be said that we are in a state of emergency. Therefore, a more serious approach is very much needed," said Retno.

The 5th Congress of the Indonesian Clinical Psychologists Association declared a proclamation in the form of the "Sapta-Darmalaksana." The first thing Retno and her team called for is to make mental health a primary pillar of national resilience. "And to support the acceleration of the development of superior and reliable human resources in Indonesia," she said.

Furthermore, Retno also urged the government to improve access to and the quality of mental health services. So that the services can be fair, inclusive, and professional for the people of Indonesia in all corners of the country, through promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative approaches.

Thirdly, Retno and her team requested the government to develop clinical psychologist professional education and continuous education by strengthening a transformative curriculum according to the needs of society and competency standards. This education is also expected to reinforce professional ethics referring to the prevailing health regulations.

Fourthly, Retno stated that her organization will continue to actively advocate for the government to create regulations that support mental health efforts. This is to meet the needs of professional mental health personnel, particularly clinical psychologists, in the effort to succeed in the transformation of health and the implementation of national mental health efforts.

There is also a call from the clinical psychologist team to strengthen interprofessional collaboration with medical personnel, health workers, and other health support personnel. This is so that these health personnel can provide quality, holistic, and integrated services.

Retno also called on the public to build collaboration with stakeholders in research and innovation in the field of mental health. One way is through the use of cutting-edge technology to find innovative solutions in addressing mental health issues.

Finally, Retno urged the public to strengthen the role of families and communities as the primary stronghold in mental health efforts. "Hopefully, the public will become more familiar with clinical psychologists and mental health services will become more accessible to everyone," she said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2072605/indonesias-mental-health-emergency-spurs-7-key-demand