Erick Thohir Calls for Importance of Focus on Adolescent Mental Health

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Minister of BUMN Erick Thohir expressed deep concern about the increasing mental health problems among adolescents in Indonesia. Miraculously, 60 percent of middle and high school students show symptoms of emotional mental disorder, a significant number.

The condition is exacerbated by a surge in bullying cases, from 226 cases in 2022 to 3,800 cases in 2023. Erick stressed the importance of addressing this issue with openness and awareness, as well as providing a safe space for discussion about mental health issues.

The data show that in 2024 to August, 849 suicides were recorded. Erick believes this figure may be higher because many are not open about their mental problems.

“This mental health issue is a threat that must be seriously addressed,” Erick stressed at the “Hearing the Soul” event held at Posbloc Jakarta, Saturday (12/10/2024).

Erick also called on all parties to understand that mental health impacts are often invisible, in contrast to obvious physical injuries. Therefore, it is important to create solutions, including safe discussion and counseling spaces in schools and campuses. He also stressed the SOE Ministry's commitment to contribute to the maximum, despite being aware of existing limitations.

“With all the limitations we have, we will continue to work to create positive change in society,” he hopes.

Earlier, Erick Thohir through the III Special Staff of SOE Minister, Arya Sinulingga, expressed the importance of paying attention to mental health especially in the era of rapid and stressful corporate and digital changes.

“There are many changes in the corporation, the more digital technology develops, the more pressure increases,” Arya said in a written statement in Jakarta, Monday (22/7/2024).

Arya considers it important for SOE employees to know how to release emotions, express themselves, so that it can help deal with pressure. Arya said the issue of mental health of SOE employees was also a concern of Erick Thohir.

“The Minister saw this and started the first movement in the corporation, to not only talk about performance or finances but about the mental and soul of SOE employees,” Arya said.

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