SDG

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

UNY Faculty of Psychology Conducts Mental Health Strengthening Training for Soldiers of the Yogyakarta Palace Military Corps

Yogyakarta, June 28, 2026 – The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), through its Clinical Psychology academic team, organized a Community Engagement Program under the Lecturers' Off-Campus Community Service Initiative (PkM DLK) entitled "Mental Health Strengthening Training for Soldiers of the Yogyakarta Palace Military Corps." The program was held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Pendhapa Bangsal Kamandhungan Kidul, Yogyakarta. The training was collaboratively organized by the Naval Psychology Service (Dinas Psikologi Angkatan Laut), the Kawedanan Kaprajuritan of the Yogyakarta Palace, and the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, demonstrating a strong cross-institutional partnership in promoting psychological well-being.

The training was attended by 35 participants, consisting of Abdi Dalem Prajurit (Palace Soldiers) of the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat from Cohorts 3, 4, and 5, as well as Abdi Dalem Prajurit serving as members of the Reserve Component (Komcad) and the Kridho Bramastro Team.

The program was facilitated by six lecturers from the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta: Eva Rahman, M.Psi., Psychologist; Rahmatika Kurnia Romadhani, M.Psi., Psychologist; Dinarista Yulisa Ediputri, M.Psi., Psychologist; Annisa Nur Harwiningtyas, M.Psi., Psychologist; Dr. Farida Harahap, M.Si.; and Dr. Kartika Nur Fathiya, M.Si., Psychologist. The implementation of the program was further supported by five undergraduate psychology students serving as the technical team: Aryo Seto, Ilham Kurniawan, Engelita Thania, Niken Rahayu, and Rahel Embun Damai.

The event commenced with opening remarks by Eva Rahman, M.Psi., Psychologist, Chair of the Organizing Committee, followed by a welcoming speech delivered by Jajar Yuda Kawindra, Lumaksana Panyarikan Kawedanan Kaprajuritan, representing the Kawedanan Kaprajuritan of the Yogyakarta Palace. During the opening session, representatives of the Palace expressed their appreciation for the Faculty of Psychology UNY's contribution in enhancing soldiers' knowledge and practical skills related to mental health management.

The training featured several core learning sessions delivered by the Faculty of Psychology lecturers. The educational sessions included lectures on Recognizing Stress and Independent Stress Management, providing participants with evidence-based knowledge regarding stress identification and coping strategies. Participants also completed reflective exercises through the Recognizing Personal Stress Worksheet and the Wheel of Life Satisfaction Worksheet, which encouraged self-awareness regarding personal well-being across multiple life domains. In addition, the facilitators introduced practical psychological techniques, including guided breathing relaxation exercises, enabling participants to experience simple yet effective stress management strategies that could be incorporated into their daily routines. To evaluate the effectiveness of the training, participants completed knowledge questionnaires before and after the program as pre- and post-assessments.

The participants demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm throughout the training, as reflected in the active discussions during the educational sessions. During the practical component, participants willingly engaged in experiential activities, including the Butterfly Hug technique and breathing relaxation exercises. The worksheet reflection sessions also provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to voluntarily share their personal experiences and current life challenges with the facilitators and fellow participants. The openness displayed throughout these discussions created a supportive learning environment and reinforced the importance of psychological awareness, emotional regulation, and peer support in maintaining mental well-being.

Through this community engagement initiative, the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the area of community service, by providing evidence-based psychological education and practical mental health interventions that contribute to the well-being of communities. Furthermore, the collaboration among the Faculty of Psychology UNY, the Naval Psychology Service, and the Kawedanan Kaprajuritan of the Yogyakarta Palace reflects the principles of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: Partnerships for the Goals, highlighting the importance of multi-sector collaboration in advancing mental health promotion, strengthening community resilience, and fostering sustainable social development.