JAKARTA — Dompet Dhuafa continues to be committed to being part of the solution to mental health problems that have recently emerged. In order to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, Dompet Dhuafa launched a free counseling service program called “Aku Temanmu”, Wednesday (18/12/2024), at Sasana Budaya Rumah Kita, South Jakarta.
In addition, while commemorating Mother’s Day on December 22, Dompet Dhuafa held a talk show entitled “Happy Mother, Happy Child”. This event is a place to expand public education about how a mother’s happiness affects the growth and development of children as the nation’s next generation.
On this occasion, Dompet Dhuafa presented professional psychologists, influencers, KOLs, media, and donors to participate in witnessing the launch of Aku Temanmu. In more detail, this program will be a peer counseling-based counseling service that provides a safe space for people to talk and get psychological support, which can be accessed via a WhatsApp hotline and handled by peer counselors. If needed, counseling will be referred to experts, such as psychologists or psychiatrists.
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Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation Board, emphasized the importance of mental health as the foundation of a balanced life. This activity is a series of Dompet Dhuafa’s concern for mental health problems in society. According to Ahmad, mental health not only affects the individual, but also the environment, including the family. Where unmanaged mental, economic, and social pressures can trigger criminal cases and destructive actions.
“We want to contribute to providing solutions to the alarming increase in mental health cases, with this concern, it is hoped that Dompet Dhuafa can improve services to work together and collaborate with various parties for efforts to prevent mental illness with socialization, prevention efforts, promotion including therapy for this mental health,” he said.
Dompet Dhuafa has various programs that focus on mental health with an inclusive approach. These programs include psychological counseling services for individuals and families in the form of free spiritual health services through Free Health Services (LKC), as well as psychological support for patients and families.
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In addition, Dompet Dhuafa routinely conducts socialization and educational training on mental health, including post-disaster mental recovery in affected areas. To support the younger generation, Dompet Dhuafa also runs character education programs in schools, family empowerment related to the economy and education, and group counseling training involving professional psychologists to provide maximum impact to the community, especially the poor.
The launch of Aku Temanmu was marked by the beating of a gong by Ahmad Juwaini, along with Dompet Dhuafa’s board of directors and talk show speakers.
Parni Hadi, as the Initiator and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dompet Dhuafa, also supported the issue of mental health, Parni interpreted the Indonesia Raya song “Bangunlah Jiwanya, Bangunlah Badannya untuk Indonesia” that a healthy body starts from a healthy soul. In addition, she invites everyone to smile. Because, according to him, a smile indicates happiness.
“Dompet Dhuafa is a Smiling Foundation, a smiling institution inviting everyone to smile, a sign of happiness. I want to work on mental and mental health programs, let’s build this nation, build the soul and then the body. Let’s serve together with Dompet Dhuafa, we create a health service program for those who need it and especially the poor,” said Parni Hadi.
“Need a friend, need to confide in each other, so this program I am your friend, move forward together, happy together, smile together,” he continued.
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According to data from the Indonesian Health Survey, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the prevalence of mental health problems in Indonesia continues to increase, especially in the younger generation. Almost 60% of Gen Z reported experiencing mental health disorders, especially depression. This is much higher than previous generations. In addition, 12.5% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum mothers also experience mental health problems, which have a direct impact on child development.
Imran Pambudi, Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, appreciated Dompet Dhuafa’s initiatives, especially in Dompet Dhuafa’s preventive and promotive programs.
“Today’s event is very much in line with topics or programs related to mental health, considering that to engage a good child it is necessary to support and prepare parents so that they can raise their children, especially equipping parents to be happy for themselves. I have known Dompet Dhuafa for a long time, we really appreciate Dompet Dhuafa’s contribution in addressing mental health issues. Dompet Dhuafa has a good role with preventive and promotive programs, through this collaboration we can create a better Indonesia, especially towards the vision of the Golden Indonesia 2045,” he said.
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Yeni Purnamasari, GM of Dompet Dhuafa’s Health Program, said that the Aku Temanmu program is part of a real solution to the increasing cases of mental health in Indonesia.
“We want to be a friend who hears, understands, and helps find solutions for those in need. it is hoped that it will become a space to connect with anyone who needs to be a medium to be able to recognize and at the same time be able to hear each other. we want to be peers who can understand us as friends who can hear and at the same time can also find the right solution for those in need, said Yeni.
With the spirit of collaboration, Dompet Dhuafa continues to be committed to being part of the solution to mental health problems, supporting the happiness of Indonesian mothers, children and families. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Anndini Dwi Putri
Editor: Riza Muthohar