The documentary film by Fala Pratika titled The Other Daughter served as the entry point for an in-depth discussion on intergenerational trauma at the Kelas Liar event in Bandung on Saturday (4/7/2026). Through the stories of three women from different generations, this film highlights how psychological wounds can be passed down through generations in a family, often unnoticed by parents who also carry their own past burdens.
The discussion received an emotional response from the participants. Many of them felt the story on screen reflected their own personal life experiences. This discussion space was used to share stories that rarely receive validation, where participants were invited to reflect on which parenting patterns they wanted to continue and which had to be stopped so as not to burden the next generation.
One of the participants, Rifka, admitted that there is a demand to always appear strong in her family, a pattern she is determined to break. In line with this, another participant named Hobs highlighted that patriarchal culture is one of the inheritances that exacerbates the mental health crisis, especially for men who are often expected to suppress their emotions.
This issue is not merely an individual problem. Mental health screening data from the Bandung City Government at the end of 2025 showed that nearly half of the students, or around 48.19 percent, were indicated to have mental health issues. This figure reflects the significant impact of urban life pressures, a culture of silence, and a competitive lifestyle that hinders the emotional healing process of society.
Ayas, a practitioner from Bloom Under The Sun, explained that intergenerational trauma can persist through epigenetic mechanisms, extreme parenting patterns, and unhealthy communication. She emphasized that the key to breaking this chain is recognizing the patterns, establishing healthy emotional boundaries, and practicing reparenting to provide love and validation to oneself that might not have been received in childhood.
Ayas added that trauma healing cannot be done alone. A safe space in society is needed to support each other and normalize discussions about mental health and professional help. With collective awareness and the courage to break the chain of trauma, the current generation has the opportunity to create a psychologically healthier future.
