Press Release : Indonesian Psychiatric Association In Commemoration of The National Health Day | November 12, 2025
In commemorating the National Health Day 2025, Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Kedokteran Jiwa Indonesia (PDSKJI) announced the study results that they conducted among the youth of Indonesia. The study used the Assessment of Executive Function in the Indonesian Context (AUFEI) that covered five domains: Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, Planning & Organization, and Spiritual Function. The results showed that:
- Among adolescents in the transition phase, aged 13 -24 year old (n = 624), 507 adolescents had not yet developed optimal executive functions, while 117 had developed well.
- A total of 39.8% had underdeveloped working memory, which caused them to easily losing focus and making it difficult to weigh the consequences of their actions. In terms of inhibitory control, approximately 32.7% had difficulty in controlling impulses. This explains why many adolescents are easily provoked and act without thinking.
- Even though cognitive flexibility appeared to be well-advanced (38.8% were well developed), this adaptability skill was not matched by maturity in planning and organization, with 65.5% were still in the early stages of development. They knew what was wrong, but were unable to formulate steps to correct it. Even worse, 55.4% of participants demonstrated immature spiritual functioning. This means that the values, meaning of life, and moral boundaries have not yet been firmly established to act as a buffer when facing social pressure or existential crises.
- Impaired executive function is significantly correlated with increased depression, impulsive behaviour, reduced in motivation to learn things, and the tendency toward bullying and digital addiction.
- Major risk factors included academic pressure, excessive digital exposure, maladaptive parenting, and poor emotional literacy. “Executive function is a control centre in human brain that determines the ability of an individual to self-regulate, to think flexibly, and to make wise decisions.
PDSKJI highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral interventions involving schools, families, health care professionals, and policy makers following these steps:
- Regular screening on executive function and mental health in schools.
- Trainings for teachers and parents to recognize early signs of emotional and behavioural regulation difficulties among the children.
- Integrating executive function strengthening programs into elementary and secondary education curricula.
- Easy access to child and adolescent mental health services, including consultations with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.
- A national campaign on mental health education based on science and empathy.
Link to complete Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y55zX0_lzm_W1xlBHrdeH1R-6n4PnHcp/view?usp=sharing
