Childhood trauma, often stemming from violence in domestic and school environments, has become a serious mental health concern for the young generation in Indonesia. Data from the GEAS-Indonesia report records an alarming figure, where around 78 percent of adolescents in the country admit to having had adverse experiences during their upbringing.
Recognizing the lack of literacy in surrounding environments when it comes to detecting the impact of such trauma, a research team from Monash University, Indonesia, is designing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital platform named 'Kita Bersama'. Led by Grace Wangge, this project involves interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the technology developed is relevant to the cultural context and healthcare system in Indonesia.
The platform's advanced AI functions to analyze users' language patterns, physical activity, and sleep patterns to provide early detection of emotional changes. However, researchers emphasize that this platform is not intended as a replacement for therapists. Instead, the system is designed as a bridge to guide users toward professional care if clinical symptoms are identified.
Major challenges still loom over this development, ranging from digital access inequality in remote areas to the protection of highly sensitive personal data. To mitigate these issues, the research team is employing a co-design process involving survivors, parents, teachers, and stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, targeting voluntary trials in West Java and East Kalimantan by late 2026.
On the other hand, the urgency of trauma recovery is reinforced by a neuroscience study from the University of Essex. The research indicates that childhood trauma can trigger structural changes in brain systems, particularly those regulating empathy and emotional processing. By understanding these biological impacts, it is hoped that the 'Kita Bersama' platform will serve as a crucial preventive step to mitigate the decline in the quality of life for adolescents in the future.
