Kemenkes Highlights Critical Role of Mental Health to Boost Human Capital
Indonesia's Health Ministry is prioritizing mental health as a core component of national human capital development. Officials are calling for an inclusive approach to neurodivergent conditions and mental health disorders to reduce the significant treatment gap in the country.
Why it matters
Addressing mental health is increasingly viewed as a critical economic and social policy goal for developing nations to improve workforce productivity.
Jakarta, IO – The Health Ministry (Kemenkes) reaffirmed that mental health is an essential pillar in building Indonesia’s human capital, emphasizing that the issue must transition from the margins of healthcare policy to center stage.
Speaking at a talk show on Sunday (11/10/2026), Deputy Health Minister Dante S. Harbuwono urged a shift in national priorities.
“Today, I have seen firsthand how vital mental health issues are. Mental health is no longer a peripheral issue; it has become central. Stronger mental health directly underpins the development of superior Indonesian human resources,” he said.
Dante emphasized that addressing mental health issues and neurodivergent conditions—such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia—requires an inclusive approach starting within the family.
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