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Healing Minds, Building Hope at Rumah Sakit Jiwa (RSJ) Jambi

Ghazy, a recipient of the Mutual+ Scholarship Batch 7, together with three fellow volunteers, namely Rifat from Universitas Brawijaya Malang, Famela from Universitas Jambi, and Abidh from Universitas Dinamika Bangsa Jambi, collaborated across institutions to carry out Mutualplus Social Project 1 Year 2026, which is part of the Mutual+ Scholarship Program. Coming from different academic backgrounds, the team shares one common value: a strong concern for communities that are often overlooked.

Carrying the theme “Merawat Jiwa, Membangun Harapan: Bersama Menuju Pemulihan yang Bermakna”, the team designed four activities implemented in stages at the Mental Rehabilitation Unit of RSJ Daerah Jambi, namely Sports Day, Music Therapy, Gardening, and Coloring. These activities were not randomly selected, but carefully designed by considering the patients’ conditions and needs, ensuring that each session would be meaningful and enjoyable. This initiative was driven by the team’s concern that people with mental health conditions are often overlooked by the public, while in reality they need more than just medical treatment. They need human presence, opportunities to interact, and a sense of being valued.

Rumah Sakit Jiwa (RSJ) Daerah Jambi is the only government-owned hospital in Jambi Province that specifically focuses on mental health services. Located at Jl. Dr. Purwadi No. KM 9,5, Kenali Besar, Alam Barajo, Kota Jambi, the hospital was established in 1984 and is now known as RSUD Kolonel H.M. Syukur Jambi. Its services include mental health care, drug rehabilitation, and specialized medical services. Currently, RSJ Daerah Jambi serves more than 200 patients from various age groups, ranging from teenagers to the elderly, all of whom require intensive support in their recovery process.

Within the hospital, the Mental Rehabilitation Unit accommodates patients who are stable enough to participate in group activities and able to follow simple instructions. The unit regularly conducts daily activities such as exercise, music therapy, gardening, and religious sessions as part of a holistic recovery approach. This reflects the hospital’s belief that recovery does not solely depend on medication, but also on social stimulation and meaningful activities that help patients feel empowered and engaged in their daily lives.

Famela shared, “This activity helped me better understand and appreciate others. Every session was fun and memorable. I hope programs like this can continue and involve more people.” She felt that this experience was more than just a social program. It changed the way she sees and treats others around her.

For Rifat, those four days were enough to make him realize that sincere presence, even in simple forms, can mean a lot to others. He also believes that more people should be encouraged to take part in similar initiatives. “Seeing the patients remain enthusiastic despite their conditions reminds me that hope is real and always exists. This program should continue, because its impact is far greater than what we can see.”

Abidh expressed a similar sentiment. “Four days, many lessons. A valuable experience and memories worth keeping. I hope this program does not stop here.” Brief yet meaningful, this is how Abidh described the experience. He hopes the program will continue to grow and reach more places and more people.

Lastly, Ghazy stated, “Honestly, I did not expect such an enthusiastic response. What we considered a simple activity was welcomed with genuine joy by the patients. This proves that programs like this are truly needed and should continue.” This experience left a strong impression on Ghazy and strengthened his belief that even the smallest act of care can create a meaningful impact for those who are often overlooked.

 

Written by: Ghazy, Rifat, Famela, dan Abidh (Group 3 Universitas Brawijaya)

Edited by: Marcomm Mutual+