Health · Mental Health · 6 hrs ago
Indonesia Has One Psychiatrist for Every 180,000 People, Ministry Says
Indonesia had 1,495 psychiatrists as of September 1, 2026, or about one for every 180,000 people.
The Health Ministry says this is far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one psychiatrist for every 30,000 people.
The country also had 3,513 registered clinical psychologists, but only 213 worked at community health centers.
The ministry says many people who need mental health care still do not receive it.
Screening through ministry programs has reached more than 71.8 million people, and results showed possible symptoms of depression in 1.2 percent and anxiety in 0.9 percent of those screened.
To help health workers respond, the ministry has issued guides for screening and follow-up care for pregnant and postpartum women, children and adolescents, adults, and older people.
It says it is also expanding preventive services through its Free Health Check program.
Indonesia had 1,495 psychiatrists as of September 1, 2026, or one for every 180,000 people, the Health Ministry said.
The ratio is far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one psychiatrist for every 30,000 people.
The ministry said the shortage has prompted it to expand preventive mental health services, including screening through its Free Health Check program.
More than 71.8 million people have been screened, with possible symptoms of depression found in 1.2 percent and anxiety symptoms in 0.9 percent.
The ministry has issued four guides to help health workers follow up on mental health screening.
- Who
- Indonesia’s Health Ministry and people seeking mental health care.
- What
- The ministry reported a shortage of psychiatrists and described expanded screening and preventive services.
- When
- The psychiatrist count was as of September 1, 2026; the report was published October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Indonesia.
- Why
- The ministry said the shortage and the gap between people needing treatment and those receiving it remain challenges.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
To address these challenges, the Health Ministry continues to strengthen integrated health promotion and prevention efforts through the Free Health Check program, as well as health services for pregnant women and mothers after childbirth.
Difficulties children experience today do not determine their future. We want people experiencing mental health problems to no longer be marginalized, but instead embraced.
Indonesia had 1,495 psychiatrists, according to the Health Ministry.
Tempo reported the ministry’s psychiatrist figures and expanded mental health screening efforts.
- Psychiatrists
- 1,495 as of September 1, 2026
- Psychiatrist ratio
- One per 180,000 people
- WHO-recommended ratio
- One per 30,000 people
- Registered clinical psychologists
- 3,513, including 213 working at community health centers
- People screened
- More than 71.8 million
- Screening results
- Possible depression symptoms in 1.2 percent and anxiety symptoms in 0.9 percent of those screened
Sources
Related news
Writer describes the losses and adjustments of life without alcohol
Rail workers share stories in campaign to prevent suicide on the tracks
Early Trial Suggests TMS May Help Treat Meth Use Disorder and Depression
Why many young people prefer texts to unexpected phone calls
Video Offers Tips for Better Mental Well-Being
Psychology explores why people overlook concerns about eating animals
Psychologist says lasting changes in mood and behavior should be recognised
Essay argues constant access to answers may weaken curiosity
Four-minute comedy clip linked to lower stress in small adult study
Psychologist compares wartime hatred to a failure to see human value
Essay describes how people-pleasers and “pleaders” shape relationship conflicts
