A nationwide health screening initiative has revealed millions of Indonesians reporting signs of psychological distress, with experts urging careful interpretation of the figures while acknowledging a profound public health challenge.
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Approximately 28 million people in Indonesia displayed symptoms consistent with depression and anxiety during a comprehensive, free national health check program conducted throughout 2025, according to Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin. The staggering figure has ignited a crucial conversation about the state of the nation’s psychological well-being and the resources required to address it.
While the number is significant, mental health experts caution against conflating self-reported symptoms with a clinical diagnosis of a severe mental disorder. “This figure is highly dependent on what is meant by mental health problems, including whether it refers to symptoms or a diagnosis of mental disorders, and from which year the data was taken,” clarified Riati Sri Hartini, SpKJ, MSc, a psychiatry lecturer from IPB University.
A Nuanced Understanding of the Data
Dr. Hartini emphasized that experiencing depressive or anxious symptoms does not automatically equate to having a severe psychiatric illness. However, the sheer scale of the reported distress signals a deep and widespread issue demanding serious attention. “Regardless of the definition, this data shows mental health is a major issue experienced by millions of people in Indonesia and requires more serious handling,” she stated.
The data, emerging from a large-scale public health effort, is seen by professionals as a vital, if preliminary, indicator of the population’s psychological strain. It underscores a gap between everyday suffering and formal clinical care, highlighting a need for both enhanced public awareness and accessible support systems.
Identifying the Most Vulnerable Demographics
Experts point to specific societal groups facing elevated risks for mental health challenges, a pattern observed globally but with local nuances:
- Children and Adolescents: Navigating emotional and identity development, this group is uniquely vulnerable to academic pressure, complex social dynamics, bullying, and the pervasive influence of social media.
- Working-Age Adults: Individuals in their productive years grapple with occupational stress, performance targets, workplace competition, and the relentless economic pressures of providing for families, frequently leading to burnout, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
- Women: Biological factors, including hormonal fluctuations, combine with societal pressures such as balancing dual roles at home and work, and navigating relationship dynamics or psychological abuse, contributing to higher reported vulnerability.
A Call for Context and Action for a Global Audience
For Bali’s international community of expatriates, long-term visitors, and digital nomads, this report offers critical context. It provides a window into the broader societal pressures that exist within the island’s paradise-like backdrop. Understanding these prevalent challenges fosters greater empathy for local colleagues, staff, and friends and underscores the universal nature of mental health struggles, which transcend geographic and cultural boundaries.
The Indonesian data aligns with a global rise in reported psychological distress, particularly following years of pandemic-related disruption. The response, experts argue, must be multi-faceted: reducing stigma to encourage open discussion, integrating mental health resources into primary care, and developing targeted support for high-risk groups. The figure of 28 million is not just a statistic; it is a compelling mandate for a national conversation and a more robust system of psychological support.