Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,500 islands with a population of 283.5 million and more than 700 languages, faces significant challenges in providing equitable mental health care. With roughly 1,200 psychiatrists serving the entire nation, traditional care alone cannot meet the growing needs of its people.

To address this, the Ministry of Health, through the National Centre for Mental Health and the Directorate General of Advanced Health Services, is exploring digital mental health solutions—leveraging technology to expand access, personalize care, and reduce stigma.

eMHIC Webinar: Shaping the Future of Digital Mental Health in Indonesia

On 22 October 2025, the eMental Health International Collaborative (eMHIC) hosted “eMHIC Talks: Digital Mental Health for the Future of Mental Health in Indonesia”. The session was moderated by Dr. Nova Riyanti Yusuf, MD, PhD of the Pusat Kesehatan Jiwa Nasional at RS Marzoeki Mahdi, and featured Dr. Obrin Parulian, M.Kes, Director of Clinical Services, Directorate General of Advanced Health Services, Ministry of Health.

The webinar convened clinicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders from across Indonesia to explore how digital mental health solutions can transform care delivery and reach underserved populations.

Key Highlights from the Session

1. Global Perspective & Best Practices

• eMHIC showcased its role as a leading international organization advancing digital mental health.

• Emphasis was placed on the potential for technology to bridge gaps in mental health service delivery worldwide.

2. Challenges & Opportunities in Indonesia

• Indonesia’s geographic and linguistic diversity poses unique barriers to mental health care.

• Workforce limitations and infrastructure constraints were discussed alongside opportunities for scalable digital solutions.

3. User-Centered Design

• The importance of tailoring digital mental health initiatives to users’ needs was highlighted.

• Focus areas included accessibility, cultural relevance, and building trust in technology-based care.

4. Dispelling Myths & Inspiring Innovation

• The session encouraged stakeholders to challenge misconceptions about digital mental health.

• Participants were inspired to adopt innovative, technology-driven approaches to improve outcomes across the nation.

Towards a Digitally Enabled Mental Health System

This highly interactive 2.5-hour masterclass demonstrated the critical role of digital transformation in mental health, particularly for a country as diverse and expansive as Indonesia.

The session reinforced that collaboration, innovation, and user-centered design are essential to unlocking the full potential of digital mental health initiatives.

As the famous Indonesian saying goes: