UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has strengthened its commitment to a mental health-friendly academic environment. The university has launched a dedicated student counseling service. Named “Sasmita Jiwa,” this service was officially inaugurated on Friday (7/2/2025), at the Indraprasta Room, UNS Inn. Previously, Sasmita Jiwa had been introduced in a soft launch in November 2024.
The grand launch featured a ceremonial gong strike by UNS Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Ir. Dody Ariawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. The Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs at UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Joko Sutrisno, M.P., joined him. The Secretary of the Directorate of Student Affairs, Danang Tomi Harjanto, S.Sos., was also present. The Head of the Sub-Directorate for Student Counseling Services, Berliana Widi Scarvanovi, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, attended as well.
“This initiative highlights UNS’s dedication to fostering a supportive academic environment that prioritizes mental health. Additionally, it contributes positively to our accreditation. Sasmita Jiwa provides counselors and academic mentors who are ready to help students address academic, social, and personal concerns. We hope UNS can deliver the best possible service and encourage faculty members to inform students about this facility,” Prof. Dody said during his speech.
Prof. Joko Sutrisno echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that Sasmita Jiwa is a safe space for students to seek support. They can confide in someone or consult with mental health professionals.
The Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni manages Sasmita Jiwa. The service aims to help students feel comfortable and ease their concerns about academic, social, and personal challenges.
Layanan Sasmita Jiwa
Sasmita Jiwa Services
Berliana Widi Scarvanovi, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, and Head of the Sub-Directorate for Student Counseling Services, explained that Sasmita Jiwa offers three key programs. These programs are promotive, preventive, and curative.
The promotive program focuses on raising mental health awareness through educational activities and roadshows. It also involves the establishment of mental health ambassadors within UNS. Meanwhile, the preventive program aims to reduce mental health risks by conducting screenings and mapping students’ mental well-being. It also provides counseling skills training for counselors and academic mentors.
“Our primary focus is the curative program, which involves intervention activities aimed at restoring individual well-being. This program includes two categories: psychological counseling and academic counseling. Professional psychologists conduct psychological counseling to help students manage emotional and mental health challenges, while academic mentors provide academic counseling to support students in overcoming academic difficulties,” Berliana explained.
How to Access Sasmita Jiwa Services
Sasmita Jiwa’s services are free for all UNS students. To book a counseling session, students need to fill out a reservation form available on Instagram @sasmitajiwa.uns. After submission, the Sasmita Jiwa team will contact them to schedule a session. Counseling can be conducted online or in person at the Student Affairs and Medical Center Building, second floor.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Promoting mental health is crucial for ensuring a healthy life and overall well-being for individuals of all ages. This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Number 3: “Good Health and Well-Being.” By providing accessible mental health support, UNS demonstrates its commitment to fostering a holistic and supportive academic environment for its students.
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