Jakarta Leads nation in Reported Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Free Health Checks Reveal
Jakarta, Indonesia – Recent data from the Ministry of Health’s Free Health Check (CKG) program indicates jakarta has the highest percentage of individuals exhibiting potential symptoms of depression and anxiety in Indonesia. As of August 15th, 9.3% of those screened in jakarta showed signs of depression, while 7.6% indicated potential anxiety. This contrasts with national averages of 1% for depression and 0.9% for anxiety.
The findings are based on mental health assessments conducted on 13 million people as part of the CKG initiative, and do not include results from screenings at schools. Ministry of Health Director for Mental Health, Imran Pambudi, emphasized these results are not diagnoses, but rather an early detection tool. He stressed the need for professional evaluation to confirm actual conditions.
Pambudi highlighted the correlation between depression and anxiety and an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Data from the IHME Global Burden of Diseases shows 746,000 suicide cases globally in 2021, with Indonesia recording 4,570 cases. According to 2024 data from the National Police, Central Java reported the highest number of suicide cases within Indonesia, totaling 478.
The impact of suicide extends beyond the individual, with research suggesting one suicide can affect up to 35 people – including family, friends, and first responders. Thus, preventative measures are critical. These include responsible media reporting, increased access to counseling services, limiting access to methods of self-harm, and bolstering life skills education.
Government regulations,specifically Law number 17 of 2023 concerning Health and its implementing regulation,Government regulation number 28 of 2024,outline these preventative measures.The Press Council is also actively working to promote responsible reporting on mental health and suicide through guidance and regulations.
Yosep “Stanley” Adi Prasetyo, former chair of the Press Council, warned that irresponsible reporting can inflict psychological and economic harm on victims’ families and potentially trigger “copycat” suicides through detailed descriptions of methods. he urged journalists to accompany any coverage of suicide with details on available support services, such as counseling.
Individuals in need of mental health support can contact the Ministry of Health’s service at 119 or visit https://www.healing119.id/.
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