SEMARANG — The Department of Nursing at Universtas Diponegoro Faculty of Medicine (FK UNDIP) has launched a strategic psychosocial support initiative aimed at bolstering community-based mental health in the Meteseh sub-district of Semarang. Executed on May 6, 2026, the program is a core component of the EQUITY Community Development series. It specifically targets the integration of mental wellness into daily grassroots life through the Community Mental Health Nursing (CMHN) specialization.
Strengthening Resilience in Local Communities The event drew approximately 30 women representing various administrative units (RW) across Kelurahan Meteseh. Designed as a hybrid of education and practical application, the session provided a platform for residents to engage with mental health professionals and peer support networks.
Rahman, the Head of Meteseh Sub-district (Lurah Meteseh), opened the proceedings by emphasizing the necessity of holistic health.
“I hope the people of Meteseh remain healthy in soul, body, and mind, enabling them to navigate the challenges of daily life with greater resilience,” he stated during his welcoming remarks.
The program, titled “The Mindful Living for Diabetes Programme: Psychosocial Support for a Healthy Soul,” introduced a comprehensive educational module designed by the UNDIP advocacy team. The curriculum focuses on accessible techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation.
Participants underwent hands-on training in several evidence-based psychological exercises, including: Physical Relaxation: Deep breathing exercises and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR). Emotional Grounding: Grounding techniques and the “Butterfly Hug” method for immediate anxiety relief. Cognitive & Spiritual Tools: Benson relaxation, thought stopping, journaling, positive self-talk, spiritual practice, and reminiscence therapy. Collaborative Academic Efforts
The initiative highlights a multi-institutional collaboration involving faculty and students from Universitas Diponegoro, the Universitas Indonesia (UI), Universitas Islam Sultan Agung (UNISSULA), and the Politeknik Kesehatan of the Ministry of Health (Poltekkes Kemenkes) Semarang under the Inbound Community Development scheme.
Ns. Ryka Widyaningtyas, S.Kep., M.Sc., a member of the teaching team, noted that community-based approaches are vital for preventive mental healthcare.
“Mental health is not merely the absence of disorders; it is about the community’s ability to recognize emotions, manage stress, and build psychological fortitude in their everyday environment,” explained Ns. Ryka Widyaningtyas, S.Kep., M.Sc.
By fostering these skills at the neighborhood level, FK UNDIP aims to elevate the overall quality of life and psychological well-being of the Semarang population, setting a precedent for community-led mental health advocacy in Indonesia.(*)
