Indonesia Program Reduces Trauma in Displaced People

In Jakarta, Indonesia, the Refugees and Asylum Seekers Information Center (RAIC) implemented the Cope program, a mental health initiative led by refugees themselves. The program trains displaced people to become facilitators, providing mental health and psychosocial support to others in their community. Researchers evaluated the program with 30 participants at the start and 16 at the conclusion.

The study found significant improvements in participants’ mental wellbeing. Depression symptoms decreased by 52%, anxiety by 50%, and symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder by 46%. These gains occurred despite participants living in a country without formal refugee protections and facing barriers to healthcare.

The Cope model suggests Refugee-Led Organizations can build sustainable, inclusive health systems. Governments, UNHCR, and global health organizations may consider this approach when working to provide universal health coverage for displaced populations, as the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide exceeds 120 million and continues to grow.