Synergy of BUMN Foundation & Ministry of Health: Strengthening Collaboration in Handling Students' Mental Health

Jakarta, March 7, 2025 – The BUMN Foundation held an audience with the Directorate of Vulnerable Group Health Services, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenkes RI), to discuss collaboration in handling and preventing mental health disorders among students. The meeting took place at the dr. Sujudi Building, Jakarta, and was attended by representatives of the BUMN Foundation and the ranks of the Directorate of Vulnerable Group Health Services, Kemenkes RI.

In this audience, the Indonesian Ministry of Health was attended by dr. Imran Pambudi, MPHM (Director of Vulnerable Group Health Services), dr. Yunita Ari Handayani (Head of the Mental Health Problem Prevention Working Team), dr. Husni Arbie (Drug Abuse Management Team), along with the ranks of the Vulnerable Group Health Services Directorate. Meanwhile, from the BUMN Foundation, Idris Ahmad (Head of Health Program) along with the ranks of the BUMN Foundation Health Team.

Program Mendengar Jiwa initiated by the BUMN Foundation received a positive response from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. This program is designed to provide mental health screening for high school students, raise awareness through educational campaigns, and build a community support system in the school environment. In line with the efforts of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, this program is also directed at forming mental health workers. first aid mental health in schools.

Dr. Imran Pambudi emphasized that the initiative Mendengar Jiwa in line with the national program of the Ministry of Health in improving mental health services for students. Therefore, the Indonesian Ministry of Health proposes that mental health screening in this program can be carried out simultaneously with the National Free Health Check (PKG) activities planned for July 2025.

As a follow-up, it was agreed that the program Mendengar Jiwa will be expanded by targeting 1,000 students as beneficiaries in 2025, involving the Indonesian Ministry of Health in training peer counselors and BK teachers, and holding a Day of Listening to the Soul on 10-11 October 2025. The Indonesian Ministry of Health also supports the production of educational films on the theme of mental health for teenagers through the program Soul Cinema and integrating mental health services with health centers through collaboration with district/city health offices. In addition, Hearing Soul Institute encouraged to be active in research related to student mental health, including issues brain rot, depression, and anxiety, to strengthen data-based policies in mental health management in Indonesia.

The collaboration between the BUMN Foundation and the Indonesian Ministry of Health is a real step in building an ecosystem that cares more about the mental health of Indonesian teenagers. With strong synergy, it is hoped that more students will gain access to quality mental health services, so that they can grow and develop optimally in order to build the generation of Golden Indonesia 2045. This joint commitment is proof that mental health is a long-term investment for the future of the nation.