Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Health called for mental health services, including those provided by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as elderly daycare center, to be covered more extensively by the Health Care and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan).
Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono made the statement in response to reports on social media that, as of 1 September, BPJS Kesehatan would no longer cover the cost of psychological services.
During a media briefing on mental health awareness at the Soeharto Heerdjan Hospital here in Jakarta on Friday (Sept 4), he said such services are highly necessary for the country’s aging population.
“The elderly experience degenerative changes, which sometimes disrupt their mental health. When their children need to go to work or out of town, they need a safe place to entrust their aging parents,” he noted.
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Responding to social media rumors claiming, he stressed the government is actively advocating for the expansion, rather than the reduction, of mental health service coverage.
He emphasised all mental health services provided by clinical psychologists and psychiatrists remain covered by BPJS Kesehatan, provided they comply with the Indonesian Diagnosis Related Groups (IDRG) provisions.
“We are not downgrading BPJS coverage for patients at all, instead, we will improve and cover BPJS participants more extensively,” he added.
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Harbuwono also highlighted the importance of strengthening mental health services as part of a broader effort to raise public awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding individuals with mental disorders.
Mental health conditions, he noted, played role as the second leading factor affecting overall quality of life, following musculoskeletal disorders.
He pointed out mental health struggles are not always physically visible and one in seven people globally lives with a mental health condition.
Harbuwono urged the public to be vigilant about physical, emotional, or behavioral changes that persist for more than two weeks.
Key signs to watch for include sleep disturbances, weight fluctuations, irritability, excessive anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and noticeable changes in speech patterns or daily routines.
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The Ministry of Health, he continued, is also implementing health promotion, alongside preventive, curative, and rehabilitative measures to address the nation’s mental health challenges.
On the preventive front, mental health assessments have been integrated into general medical screenings. The public can also access self-screening questionnaires via the national health platform, Satu Sehat application.
For further assistance, the Ministry provides a dedicated hotline, Healing119, accessible by dialing 119, extension 8.​​​​​​​
Harbuwono reminded public not to wait until an individual experiences a crisis to offer help.
Those close to a struggling individual can provide crucial support through four simple steps, asking, listening, accompanying, and connecting them with family members or mental health professionals.
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Translator: Mecca Yumna, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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