I grew up in the dormitory of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) with diverse people from around Indonesia. Spent half of my childhood in Palembang City/South Sumatra and learned about Palembang and Yogyakarta/Javanese cultures from my father at the same time. Then I moved to North Aceh District, my mother’s hometown when I was 15 years old. I tasted something different about the culture from the language, history of people, culture, and religious practices.
This period of learning new things was tough for me because got bullied due to having a half different when I was a leader of student council and also because of ethnicity that involved in Aceh conflict and my father as army, and I considered an outsider. I continued my education at college, I sought support and counseling to help me cope with my mental health. It was a long and difficult journey, but I eventually learned to embrace my cultural identity and find a sense of belonging in my new community. I also learned the importance of seeking help and support when facing mental health. Throughout my experiences in Aceh, I have learned that cultural understanding is not always easy and it can have a significant impact on our mental health. It is important to embrace and appreciate diversity, and to seek support when facing challenges.
Furthermore, I continued my study at Ar-Raniry State Islamic University, Banda Aceh, and felt unsuited to socialize with Acehnese because did not understand the collective memory of the Acehnese people. While in college while learning about psychology. Also learning about the Anthropology, History, Islamic Law, and Government system of Aceh.
Acehnese have a different view of the world from the rest of Indonesia. Aceh was a sovereign state or better known as the Sultanate of Aceh which existed from 1500 AD to 1890s AD. When the island of Java and some part of current Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch. The Sultanate of Aceh is a sovereign nation. After success pacification after 40 years of war, Dutch East Indies controlled Malacca Strait. Aceh was forced to be part of the newly established county of Indonesia after world war 2. Most Acehnese consider this as a disadvantage until this day after many injustices in the economy, identity, history, politics, and culture within Indonesia.
Currently, the policy of Indonesia towards Aceh is still the same, the government program that makes North Sumatra an economic center is cutting the identity of the Acehnese people. The people of Aceh, which were once known as a multiracial and cosmopolitan society, have now become parochial. The identity of Aceh was lost due to the closure of the port in Aceh which was diverted to North Sumatra. When the Sultanate of Aceh which has created an identity for more than 500 years as the center of knowledge, trade, culture and religion, economy, and society grew from the port. This makes Indonesia remain a symbol of colonialism for the people of Aceh and if these sensitive matters are still violated, similar conflicts may occur in the future.
In Addition, I intend to take global mental health and society because course provides as critical approaches to global mental health-social change, culture-mental health in a global perspective, inter-disciplinary approaches to global mental health, practice-policy-research fits with Aceh history of conflict, massive natural disaster, social inequalities, economy-development, Islamic government and society.
While the government of Indonesia implements its policy it does not fit into the reality of the people of Aceh. My intention is to understand more about this gap and make a policy about mental health that fits these people rather than a standardized mental health policy in Western approaches.
In addition to the challenges, I faced with my mental health, my experiences in Aceh have also taught me the importance of understanding global mental health and how it can impact policy decisions. Different cultures in communities have different unique beliefs and values when it comes to mental health, and policymakers need to take these into account when making decisions that affect those communities.
The takeaway :
Your experiences growing up in various regions of Indonesia and encountering different cultures have shaped your understanding of the importance of cultural identity, mental health, and policy-making. It is clear that you have faced significant challenges, including bullying and feeling like an outsider, due to your mixed heritage and your father's involvement in the military. However, you have also sought support and counseling to help you navigate these difficulties, and you have learned to embrace your cultural identity and find a sense of belonging.
Your studies in college, particularly in the fields of psychology, anthropology, history, Islamic law, and government, have provided you with a deeper understanding of Acehnese culture and its unique perspective within Indonesia. You have learned about the historical background of the Sultanate of Aceh and the challenges faced by the Acehnese people, including the loss of their identity and the impact of government policies on their economy, history, politics, and culture.
Your intention to pursue a course in global mental health and society aligns with your desire to bridge the gap between standardized mental health policies and the specific needs and beliefs of the Acehnese people. By understanding the cultural, social, and historical context of Aceh, you hope to contribute to the development of mental health policies that are more relevant and effective for this community. You recognize the importance of considering local perspectives and unique cultural beliefs when making policy decisions that impact mental health.
Your personal experiences and academic pursuits have provided you with valuable insights into the complexities of cultural understanding, mental health, and policy-making. Your determination to address the challenges faced by the Acehnese people and contribute to the development of more appropriate mental health policies is commendable. With your background and knowledge, you have the potential to make a meaningful impact in this field.
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