Depok-Mental health and bullying are two major challenges that require serious attention, particularly in higher education. According to data from the Indonesian Education Monitoring Network (JPPI), bullying cases continue to rise, reaching 573 in 2024. These include physical, psychological, social, and cyberbullying. In response, the Universitas Indonesia (UI) Vocational Education Program conducted an in-depth discussion on the importance of early detection of psychological issues and strategies for preventing bullying on campus. The training, held on July 15, 2025 at the UI Vocational Auditorium, featured Ika Malika, M.Psi., Psikolog, from the UI Makara Satellite Clinic, who presented material on the characteristics of mental health, how to manage stress, and effective approaches to assisting victims of bullying. According to Law No. 17 of 2023 concerning Mental Health, individuals are considered mentally healthy if they are able to recognize their potential, cope with stress, work productively, and contribute to their community.
In the training session, participants were encouraged to understand that mental health is a continuous process, and that each individual can be in different zones from time to time, from crisis to thriving and excelling. “Ideally, every individual on campus can recognize their own psychological condition and know when to seek help. We also need to build a campus culture that cares about mental well-being, not just focusing on academic achievement,” said Ika. Furthermore, Ika also said that bullying is not only hurting the victim physically or verbally, but also damages a person’s sense of security and self-esteem. The educational environment must be a safe and supportive place for every member of the community.
(Photo: Training session with participants to measure their stress levels)
The training, aimed at students, also equips them with practical skills, including early psychological support techniques (Look, Listen, and Link), as well as coping strategies for managing stress. They are also trained to differentiate between types of stress, such as eustress (positive stress that motivates and enhances performance) and distress (negative stress that can disrupt daily activities and mental health), and to recognize the limits of self-control in stressful situations.
Padang Wicaksono, S.E., Ph.D, Director of the UI Vocational Education Program, emphasized that this activity is part of the UI Vocational long-term strategy to build a psychologically healthy learning environment. “This training is a strategic step for UI Vocational to support positive mental health for the entire academic community. We are committed to continuing to promote awareness, literacy, and adequate support systems so that the academic community feels safe and heard,” said Padang.
(Photo: Ika explains the characteristics of a person who is mentally healthy)
Through this training, UI Vocational affirms its commitment to creating a safe, mentally healthy, and bullying-free campus environment. Campus counseling services are also available to support students, faculty, and educational staff who need psychological assistance.
For further information, counseling services can be accessed via bit.ly/layanankonselingUI, Instagram @kliniksatelitui, or via WhatsApp at 0852-1000-1514.
