The Surakarta City Government has made a new breakthrough in community service by integrating mental health services into the Posyandu program. This innovative step received high appreciation from the Chairperson of the Central Java Posyandu Advisory Team, Nawal Arafah Yasin, who deemed the program crucial for maintaining the mental well-being of citizens at the grassroots level.
One successful pilot is visible at the Minimum Service Standards (SPM) Posyandu of RW 06, Penumping Ward, Laweyan District, Surakarta. Through a unique program titled "Ojo Lali Mesem, Ojo Lali Sambat" (Don't Forget to Smile, Don't Forget to Complain), this posyandu provides direct psychological counseling services. If residents show indications of needing advanced medical treatment, officers will immediately refer them to the nearest community health center (puskesmas) or psychiatric hospital.
To ease accessibility, this service has also adopted digital technology. Residents only need to scan a barcode displayed in the posyandu area to check the service schedule and select a psychologist available for either face-to-face or online consultations.
In addition to mental health, the RW 06 Posyandu web platform also integrates data on vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the elderly. This system is designed to accommodate citizen complaints, which are then coordinated directly with the relevant government agencies. Nawal hopes this digital and social-based innovation can be replicated by other posyandus in Central Java to make public services more inclusive and responsive.
