Member of Commission V of the Jawa Barat DPRD, Andhika Surya Gumilar, stresses the importance of developing emotional and spiritual intelligence in students to prevent mental crises among teens. He highlights the recent rise in suicide cases as a warning for the education sector. Education should not focus solely on academic achievements but also on mental strength and character building.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- Member of Commission V of the Jawa Barat Provincial DPRD from the Gerindra Faction, Andhika Surya Gumilar, asserts that schools must seriously focus on developing students' emotional and spiritual intelligence. This statement was made to Republika on Saturday morning (21/02/2026).
Andhika believes that educational success should not be measured only by academic achievements but also by mental strength, character building, and the soul's balance for learners. He highlights the recent increase in suicide cases among Jawa Barat teens as a warning for the education world to care more about students' mental and psychological health.
"Schools should be safe and comfortable places for children. They are not only demanded to excel but also need to be equipped with emotional and spiritual resilience," said Andhika.
According to him, character education programs, counseling services, and strengthening religious and moral values must be enhanced. The roles of teachers, parents, and the school environment are crucial as companions who understand the pressures faced by the younger generation.
Andhika explains that emotional intelligence helps students manage stress, build empathy, and form healthy social relationships. Meanwhile, spiritual intelligence provides a foundation of values and life purpose to face problems.
He urges the local government and education policymakers in Jawa Barat to expand psychological support programs in schools, including adding professional counselors.
"This is a shared responsibility. We want to produce a generation that is not only intellectually superior but also emotionally mature and spiritually strong," he stated.
Andhika hopes this attention will prevent mental crises among students while shaping a strong and balanced character generation in Jawa Barat.
