PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Bandung City Government launched the Bangbara psychological counseling service to make it easier for the public to get professional mental health assistance (25/6/2026).

The Bandung Utama Bagja Sararea (Bangbara) service was first introduced in Ujungberung District through collaboration between the local government and health workers.

The program provides a safe space for residents experiencing stress, prolonged grief, and other mental health issues.

Bandung Mayor Muhammad Farhan said Bangbara is a concrete step to bring mental health services closer to the community.

"Today, we are launching a new service, starting in Ujungberung District. This service provides psychological counseling to the community, supported by the Health Office and the Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Office," said Farhan.

According to him, the public can use this service to consult and obtain psychological support more easily.

"The goal, of course, is to provide counseling spaces for residents experiencing stress, wanting to vent, or even experiencing prolonged grief. Just come to Ujungberung District," he said.

Farhan believes that the need for mental health services is becoming increasingly urgent as various psychological problems in society increase.

He revealed that the high number of attempted suicides in Bandung City is an important indicator of the need to strengthen mental health services.

In addition, the increase in cases of violence against women and children also requires psychological support that is easily accessible to the public.

Farhan explained that the results of the previous Free Health Check program showed that tens of thousands of students experienced mental health problems at varying levels.

This data serves as the basis for strengthening regional-based mental health services so that people receive assistance more quickly.

To expand the reach of services, Bangbara is supported by the existence of the Family Learning Center which has been developed by the Bandung City Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Service.

Mental health services are now available more closely through schools, community health centers, sub-districts, and urban villages.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Bandung City Health Office, Sony Adam, confirmed that information on regional psychological services would be disseminated to the community level.

This information will be conveyed through community health centers, Posyandu cadres, and neighborhood association administrators so that more residents can access services.

"Information will be delivered through community health centers and disseminated to Posyandu (Integrated Health Post) cadres and neighborhood units (RW). Then, the public can register to receive these services," said Sony.

The Bandung City Government hopes that Bangbara services will help the community address mental health issues early on and improve their quality of life.

In the future, the service is planned to be expanded to other sub-districts so that its benefits can be felt by more people in Bandung City.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)