The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), in collaboration with the Advocacy and Student Welfare Department (Adkesma) of BEM FTUI, held a seminar addressing mental health issues. The seminar took place in the Smart Meeting Room, FTUI Dean Building, on October 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. This seminar was part of the Mental Health Week organized by Adkesma BEM FTUI, carrying the theme “Angry Bird: Every Emotion Has a Target, Make Sure Yours is a Solution.”
Manager of Student Affairs and Alumni, Dr.rer.pol. Ir. Romadhani Ardi, S.T., M.T., in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of supporting students’ mental health, stating,
“We provide psychologists three days a week, and the schedule is always full. Yet that only touches a fraction of the existing issues. Preventing mental health problems can start with raising awareness among BEM members so they can also support each other in facing these challenges.”
Alvin, a representative from BEM FTUI, also conveyed that mental health deserves the same attention as academic achievement, saying,
“We, from BEM FTUI 2025, believe that as students, we should not only focus on academics but also on mental health. We organize this event annually and have seen the positive impact it brings.”
During the main seminar session, dr. Zulvia Oktanida Syarif, Sp.KJ., affectionately known as Dr. Vivi, shared that according to data from PDSKJI (2024), one in three Indonesian university students experiences symptoms of anxiety or depression. This often results from intense academic and social pressures. Common mental health conditions among students include stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Dr. Vivi explained that one way to help is by becoming a peer supporter for friends struggling with mental health issues. Building a mentally healthy culture can be done by normalizing conversations about mental health, fostering community and campus support, cultivating acceptance and empathy, discouraging bullying, and promoting a positive environment. According to a study by Taliaferro et al. (2009), students who feel supported by their campus environment are more likely to seek help for mental health issues.
However, before becoming a peer supporter for others, it is crucial to ensure our own mental well-being. Dr. Vivi highlighted that maintaining mental health does not signify weakness—it shows strength in recognizing our humanity.
“A mentally healthy condition is when an individual can realize their own potential, cope with normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community,” explained Dr. Vivi.
In response to audience questions, Dr. Vivi emphasized the importance of setting boundaries as a peer supporter. It is essential to recognize that we are not professionals and to encourage friends showing serious symptoms to seek help from a psychologist—especially when signs such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, extreme eating or sleeping disturbances, withdrawal from daily activities, disorganized speech or loss of reality, and resurfacing trauma appear.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., also addressed the issue, stating,
“Mental health issues at the Faculty of Engineering UI are very real—both in major cases and recurring patterns. Therefore, we hope this event is not just a celebration but a genuine effort to raise awareness of the existing issues.”
Through Mental Health Week and the “Angry Birds” seminar, FTUI reaffirms its commitment to creating a campus environment that is aware of and supportive of mental well-being. By collaborating among the faculty, BEM, and mental health professionals, this initiative represents a concrete step toward fostering a balanced environment between academic achievement and student mental health.
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Public Communication Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
