Benny Prawira, a prominent figure in Indonesia’s mental health landscape, is spearheading efforts to shift societal attitudes towards mental health, particularly in suicide prevention. With a background in suicidology and mental health advocacy, Prawira has transformed his personal struggles into a driving force for change in his community.
A Journey Shaped by Adversity
Growing up in Indonesia as a minority of Chinese-Buddhist descent, Prawira faced early challenges that shaped his career. Asthma and discrimination led to bullying during his childhood, and he found himself grappling with deep philosophical questions about life, happiness, suffering, and existence. These formative experiences motivated him to explore human psychology and mental health.
“I spent considerable time studying human existence and suffering,” he explains. “It was a search for meaning that ultimately drove me to psychology.”
As a teenager, Prawira began psychological treatment, which helped him connect the dots between mental well-being and physical recovery. However, due to financial constraints, he could not continue therapy. Despite facing ongoing discrimination, Prawira’s passion for psychology grew, laying the foundation for his future work in mental health advocacy.
Launching Into the Light Indonesia
In 2012, a pivotal moment came when Prawira’s close friend attempted suicide. Having struggled with suicidal thoughts in the past, Prawira was deeply moved. He recognized a critical gap in mental health resources in Indonesia: most information was in English, inaccessible to the broader population, and mental health issues were still heavily stigmatized.
This realization prompted Prawira to organize a seminar on mental health, which was met with overwhelming support. Inspired by its success, he founded Into the Light Indonesia (Yayasan Insan Teman Langit), a non-profit organization dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health education, and research. The organization quickly grew, mobilizing a network of volunteers to advocate for mental health awareness across Indonesia.
“The positive response showed me the real need for open dialogue and support on these issues,” Prawira reflects. “It motivated me to expand our work in suicide prevention and change attitudes towards mental health in Indonesia.”
Tackling Mental Health Stigma in Indonesia
Indonesia presents unique challenges for mental health advocacy, including the influence of religious beliefs on psychological treatment. National psychological associations in Indonesia integrate spiritual views with mental health care, with some Islamic universities offering programs in Islamic psychology. While this approach has its merits, Prawira points out the potential harm when religious teachings about sin and punishment intersect with psychological care, creating barriers to seeking professional help.
“There is a tendency to view non-fatal suicide attempts as attention-seeking, which only adds to the stigma,” he says. “Religious communities, which traditionally offer support, could use teachings about compassion to assist those struggling with suicidal thoughts.”
In addition to cultural and religious factors, financial constraints and a lack of awareness about mental health services further complicate access to care. Prawira notes that only one in three Indonesians are aware that the national health insurance system covers psychiatric treatment.
Educational Growth Through the Chevening Scholarship
Prawira’s dedication to mental health advocacy took a global turn when he received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study abroad. Having always dreamed of studying at the University of Oxford, he was able to fulfill this aspiration despite the obstacles he had faced earlier in life, including a four-year gap after high school to care for his ailing mother.
“I had always dreamed of studying at Oxford, and the Chevening scholarship was my chance,” he says.
The scholarship, with a competitive acceptance rate of just 2-3%, was no easy feat, but Prawira’s work with Into the Light Indonesia and his involvement in various international fellowships strengthened his application. His time at Oxford deepened his understanding of mental health, particularly from an anthropological perspective. While psychology often focuses on clinical, top-down approaches, anthropology’s emphasis on cultural context and individual experience resonated with Prawira, particularly for his work in Indonesia.
“This approach taught me to consider local understandings and cultural contexts while analyzing mental health,” he explains. “It challenged the universal application of Western psychological concepts.”
Armed with new insights, Prawira returned to Indonesia, where he now serves as a member of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Working Group. He continues his advocacy work with Into the Light Indonesia, consulting for international organizations like the Wellcome Trust and the World Health Organization (WHO) on suicide prevention and mental health policy.
A Message of Hope for Those Struggling
As mental health issues continue to affect millions, particularly among young people, Prawira remains committed to providing support. According to the World Health Organization, one in seven adolescents globally suffers from mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. Without proper intervention, these issues can extend into adulthood, affecting both physical and mental well-being.
To those who are struggling, Prawira offers words of encouragement: “Your struggles are valid, and you deserve support. Please remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a necessary step towards healing. Reach out to those who can provide the care and understanding you need.”
Prawira’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of community-driven mental health advocacy. Through his efforts, he is not only addressing the immediate needs of individuals but also fostering long-term systemic change in Indonesia’s approach to mental health.
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