RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesia's Ministry of Health continues to strengthen promotive and preventive efforts in the field of adolescent mental health through a book review activity: First Aid for Psychological Wounds for First Aiders in Junior High and Senior High Schools. This activity aims to improve students' literacy and basic skills in recognizing and responding to mental health issues in the school environment.

In a press release received by RRI VOI from the Ministry of Health on Monday, April 27, 2026, the Vice Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, emphasized that psychological wounds are often invisible, but can have a significant impact on adolescents' lives if not addressed quickly. "What if the wounded are emotional? We often remain silent, not because we don't care, but because we don't know what to do," Vice Minister Dante said.

He revealed that according to the 2022 Indonesia-National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS), approximately 1 in 3 Indonesian adolescents experienced mental health problems in the past year. In fact, the latest data shows that symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents can be almost five times higher than in adults.

Concluding his remarks, the Vice Minister of Health delivered a simple yet meaningful message for the younger generation. "Be the reason someone feels less alone today," Dante said.

The Head of the Communication and Public Information Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Aji Muhawarman, in his report, stated that this activity was part of an ongoing effort to improve mental health literacy among students. "Through this book review, we want to introduce mental health resources for teenagers, while also providing a practical understanding of first aid for psychological wounds."

He added that this activity also served as a momentum for collaboration across development partners to create an environment that is more responsive to adolescent mental health. "We want to strengthen the synergy between the central and regional governments, schools, and development partners in creating an environment that is more responsive to adolescent mental health," Aji said.

The activity, which coincided with World Book Day, was attended by more than 100 participants, consisting of students, teachers, and representatives from various sectors. This year, the book review program is planned to be held in three series to reach more schools.