SERANG, BANTEN – In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, the Community Service Institution (Lembaga Pelayan Masyarakat, LPM) of Dompet Dhuafa organized educational and environmental care activities at Batu Saung Beach, Cinangka-Anyer, Serang, Banten, on Wednesday (10/9/2023). Not alone, through the Mental Disability Rehabilitation Program (Program Pembinaan Diabilitas Mental, PDM), LPM Dompet Dhuafa also invited those with mental disabilities to participate in this activity.
KH Ahmad Sonhaji, the Director of Social Services, Da’wah, and Culture at Dompet Dhuafa, stated that the purpose of this activity is to eliminate the negative stigma towards our brothers and sisters undergoing rehabilitation for mental disorders (ODGJ, Orang Dalam Gangguan Jiwa). As those in the recovery process, constituting 80% of the rehabilitation participants, can also contribute.
“The activity was conducted together with the Siliwangi youth, carrying out a clean-up action, cleaning up the trash along Batu Saung Beach, Cinangka. This is a real manifestation that they too can and are capable of taking care of our shared living environment, and hopefully, this activity can inspire many people,” he expressed while opening the action on World Mental Health Day.
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Bali dan Pemuda Muhammadiyah Denpasar Ajak Komunitas Se-Bali Giat Bersih Pantai
Ahmad Sonhaji also explained the theme of World Mental Health Day 2023 from the World Federation Mental Health (WFMH) website, which is “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.”
“They and we, have the same rights and the same (responsibilities) to take care of each other. Because equality in mental health is for everyone,” he continued.
Jay, one of the rehabilitated patients, expressed his happiness for participating in this activity.
“I am happy to be taken out to see the sea, participate in cleaning the beach, play football, and eat delicious food,” he said.
Baca juga: Bersama DDV, Dompet Dhuafa Audit Sampah di Pantai Wisata Jawa Tengah
Nana Supriyatna, the Head of Cinangka Village, spoke up. He hopes that this action can inspire various parties to always maintain cleanliness in the beach environment.
“I am grateful and thankful for the arrival of Dompet Dhuafa for the World Mental Health Day commemoration. It’s a positive activity for our area. Alhamdulillah, with this trash clean-up action, our coastline has become clean, and this can make our tourist spot more visited. The hope is that this activity can inspire and awaken the people around Batu Saung beach,” said Nana.
The event was also supported by the Disaster Management Center (DMC) team of Dompet Dhuafa to carry out Waste Brand Management (sorting trash based on the type of waste and brand). The goal is to identify the type of waste that contributes the most to pollution and determine which trash can be recycled and has economic value. (Dompet Dhuafa/LPM/Ray/Anndini)