The Komunitas Peduli Skizofrenia Indonesia (KPSI) Indonesian Community Care for Schizophrenia is redefining mental health advocacy in Indonesia. As a grassroots, non-governmental organization (NGO), KPSI operates amidst deeply ingrained stigma, misinformation, and systemic barriers, including the alarming persistence of pasung (shackling). Despite these challenges and no government funding support, KPSI has become an oasis of hope, empowering individuals with lived experience and their families by fostering education, advocacy, and community inclusion.

Harnessing the power of social media, more than a decade KPSI has cultivated dynamic online communities across platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, growing to over 90,000 members—a remarkable 80% increase in 2023. These platforms are more than just communication tools; they serve as lifelines for emotional support, knowledge-sharing, and collective action. A survey of 330 participants revealed the profound impact of KPSI’s work, with emotional and moral support being the most valued benefit (21.15%), followed closely by education (17.31%) and inspiration (13.46%).

In 2023 alone, KPSI organized educational webinars addressing critical topics such as emotional first aid, schizophrenia, and maternal suicide, with 70% of attendees reporting enhanced mental health literacy. Additionally, peer support sessions welcomed an average of 25 participants monthly, with an impressive 90% expressing a strong sense of support and connection.

Beyond education and support, KPSI pioneers social enterprise initiatives that embody inclusion and empowerment. KPSI’s holistic, person-centered approach and its commitment to lived experience-driven advocacy have catalyzed systemic changes in mental health awareness, policy, and societal attitudes. This presentation will showcase how KPSI’s innovative use of social media and community-driven initiatives are breaking barriers, transforming lives, and inspiring a future where mental health stigma is a relic of the past.