Ministry of Health holds Festival Suara Jiwa to combat mental health stigma

To commemorate World Mental Health Day, the Indonesian Ministry of Health held the ‘Festival Suara Jiwa’ in Jakarta. The event, themed ‘Space for Stories, Action, and Change,’ aimed to raise public awareness and combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. The festival featured interactive activities, including an emotional release station, and provided free health services.

The Ministry emphasized that mental health stigma—often fueled by misconceptions that mental illness is a sign of weak faith—prevents individuals from seeking professional help. To address this, the Ministry outlined strategies involving education, interaction with survivors, and active rejection of discrimination.

On a global scale, UN Secretary-General António Guterres noted that over 80 percent of countries still centralize mental health services in psychiatric hospitals. He advocated for a shift toward community-based care, noting that patients have a right to recovery within their own social environments, including access to housing, education, and employment. Guterres also highlighted the mental health challenges facing youth due to economic uncertainty, the climate crisis, and digital threats.