BATANG – The EQUITY community service team from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), in collaboration with PATTIROs, successfully carried out a two-day community engagement program on April 24–25, 2026, in Batang Regency, Central Java. The multidisciplinary team was led by Ns. Sri Padma Sari and consisted of medical experts including Dr. dr. Hadi M.Si., Med., Sp.B, dr. Muslimin Sp.KK.; pharmacists Wimzy Rizqy Prabhata S.Farm., M.Sc., Apt., apt. A. M. Bagas Trianloka S.Farm., M.Farm, apt. Almira Rahmayani, M.Pharm.Sci; and nursing professionals Dr. Anggorowati S.Kp., Ns.Sp.Kep.Mat., M.Kep, Ns. Apri Nur Wulandari, S.Kep., M.Kep., and Ns. Nurullya Rachma S.Kep., M.Kep., Sp.Kep.Kom.
This community service initiative aimed to improve public awareness, early detection, and community capacity in maintaining both physical and mental health. The activities also supported SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, as well as SDG 17 concerning climate change response and its connection to mental health issues.
On the first day, the program focused on mental health screening and free medical check-ups for local residents. Participants were given access to general health examinations, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as health consultations. They also took part in mental health screenings as an initial step toward the early detection of various psychological conditions.
This collaborative initiative reflected the implementation of the EQUITY World Class University (WCU) UNDIP community service program in partnership with PATTIRO to support holistic public health, emphasizing mental health as an inseparable component of overall physical well-being. Public enthusiasm was evident through the high level of participation and active engagement throughout the entire screening process.
On the second day of activities, held on Saturday (April 25, 2026), the focus shifted to intensive training for mental health cadres among fishing communities. The training was designed to provide comprehensive understanding through four main pillars: introduction to mental health and early screening methods, stress management and coping techniques, strategies for managing anxiety and depression, and anger management techniques.
The training featured experts in their respective fields to ensure effective knowledge transfer. Prof. Meidiana Dwidiyanti, S.Kp., M.Sc delivered a session and guided participants through mindfulness practices as a leading method for independent emotional management. Meanwhile, Septiria Irawati, M.K.M provided material on community organizing, highlighting the strategic role of mental health cadres and steps to strengthen their capacity within local communities.
“Through this program, we aim to address the needs of the Batang community by providing mental health screening, free medical check-ups, education, and cadre training so that promotive and preventive health services can become more accessible to the public. At the same time, we hope to strengthen community capacity in recognizing, preventing, and addressing mental health issues sustainably,” said Community Service Team Leader Ns. Sri Padma Sari.
The training was designed to strengthen the cadres’ capacity to understand mental health issues, recognize signs of psychological disorders within the community, provide initial support, and enhance their role as frontline promoters of mental health awareness in their local environments.
Through this initiative, the cadres are expected to become agents of change in improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma surrounding mental disorders, and helping communities gain access to appropriate support systems.
This community service activity reflects the active role of Diponegoro University through the EQUITY WCU UNDIP program in collaboration with PATTIRO in empowering communities through a collaborative and sustainable health-based approach. By integrating screening services, medical examinations, and cadre training, the program is expected to create long-term impact in building a healthier, more caring, and mentally resilient society. (*)
