The number of mental health problems in Indonesia, particularly among adolescents and young adults, continues to show an alarming upward trend. Responding to the psychological emergency and the strong stigma attached to society, the Faculty of Psychology at Mercu Buana University Yogyakarta (UMBY) officially inaugurated and administered the professional oath to 55 new psychologists from the second batch of the Psychology Professional Education Study Program on Friday (June 12, 2026).

The solemn ceremony was attended by the General Chair of the Indonesian Psychological Association (PP HIMPSI), Dr. Andik Matulessy, M.Si., Psychologist, who personally presented the Certificates of Competency to the graduates.

The Head of the Psychology Professional Education Study Program at UMBY, Dr. Sheilla Varadhila Peristianto, M.Psi., Psychologist, emphasized that these 55 graduates are being deployed to respond to increasingly complex social realities. General psychologists are considered to be at the forefront of this work due to their proximity to residential areas.

"Today is not just an academic ceremony, but also marks the birth of professional and moral responsibility. This is a journey about learning to understand people, hearing wounds that aren't always visible, and understanding emotions that can't always be expressed," said Sheilla in her remarks.

To address the challenges of the thick wall of stigma and public embarrassment surrounding consulting a psychologist, UMBY has designed a curriculum that forces its students to get directly involved in the field during their studies through the General Psychology Professional Practice Service program.

"In the practice curriculum, students carry out a series of promotive, preventive, and curative efforts. This step is taken precisely to overcome the stigmas that still persist in society, so that mental health issues can be directly reached and treated by these aspiring psychologists," Sheilla added.

At the same location, the Secretary of the Study Program, Dr. Martaria Rizky Rinaldi, M.Psi., Psychologist, guaranteed that the psychologist designation held by this second batch of graduates had undergone measurable validation and very strict supervision.

"We are developing them into psychologists who are ready to work. Their professional practice is strictly supervised. So, what they receive is not just a title, but also instilled absolute competence and professionalism," Martaria emphasized.

The emergence of these new psychologists aligns with the university's grand vision to contribute nationally. UMBY Rector, Dr. Ir. Agus Slamet, S.TP., M.P., MCE., hopes that this influx of new psychologists will help the country address various national issues related to psychology.

To maintain UMBY's reputation as a leading university in the field of psychology, Agus Slamet emphasized that the university continues to make fundamental improvements.

"The first step is to continuously improve the quality of our lecturers, including both domestic and international graduates, up to the doctoral level. This human resource development is crucial for producing quality graduates. Second, we are also continuing to add and improve facilities on campus," said the UMBY Rector.

The inauguration ceremony also included the presentation of the Graduation Certificate (SKL) by Reny Yuniasanti, M.Psi., Ph.D., Psychologist, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at UMBY, and the wearing of the psychology degree sash. At the inauguration of the second class, Annisa Rifki Damayanti, S.Psi., Psychologist, officially received the title of best graduate.