This proposal is developed with a specific focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The primary aim of this SDG is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO): “a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Chapman et al., 2017). SDG 3 consists of nine sub-targets, including the reduction of mortality rates among vulnerable populations, the control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, the promotion of mental health, the prevention of substance abuse, the creation of universal health care access, and the strengthening of health systems. Based on these goals, we emphasize one of the key factors influencing community and family well-being: mental health. Furthermore, we explore how access to quality education, when aligned with high awareness of mental health values, encourages the development of positive habits and strengthens family resilience in the face of social challenges. Therefore, this documentary will showcase the interconnectedness of social well-being, education, and the sustainable achievement of SDG 3 by focusing on mental health and family wellness.
A study titled “Designing Behavioral Mental Health Rehabilitation” (Lie & Aulia, 2024) highlights that North Sumatra, particularly the city of Medan, records higher rates of mental disorders compared to the national average according to WHO Asia-Pacific. Approximately 7.9% of Medan’s population experiences depression, significantly above the national average of 3.7%. The study also reports that 6.3% of the population suffers from psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, a number far exceeding the global average, which typically remains below 1%. These alarming statistics are not matched by the availability of adequate mental health services; about 90% of Indonesia’s population lacks access to mental health care (Lie & Aulia, 2024). In the context of Batak Toba mental health, psychological pressure arises not only from external factors but also from deeply rooted cultural traditions. The Batak community continues to uphold the principle of the “3H values”: Hamoraon (wealth), Hagabeon (lineage), and Hasangapon (honor). These three values serve as benchmarks of social status and symbols of success in Batak society (Pudjiati et al., 2021). They are passed down through generations via formal education, customary institutions, and family teachings, shaping a collective mindset about what constitutes
a ‘perfect life.’ On the other hand, these same values can become sources of social pressure when individuals are unable to meet them.
Education is one of the pillars of life for the Batak community, not only as a means of intellectual advancement but also as a gateway to success. Educational principles and moral values are often instilled by parents from an early age, beginning at home. These values are sometimes passed down based on unwritten traditions linked to lineage. One notable principle in Batak culture is a deeply meaningful saying: “Anakkon hi do hamoraon di au,” which translates to “My child is my most valuable treasure.” This belief has long been passed down within Batak families. In the context of education, this principle serves not only as a parental motivation but also as a form of respect shown by children to their parents.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) publication on the Ethnic Group and Regional Language Diversity Profile from the 2020 Population Census Long Form, the Batak ethnic group holds the highest percentage of university graduates in Indonesia, accounting for 18.02%, followed by the Minangkabau ethnic group at 18.00%. Meanwhile, the Javanese come in eighth at 9.56%, and the Madurese last at 4.15%. Additionally, research from Kompas Research & Consulting (2022) revealed that 74% of Batak parents prioritize formal education for their children. Batak culture is widely known for promoting values such as hard work (hamoraon), academic achievement (hasangapon), and devotion to family (somba marhula-hula). However, amid modernization, these traditional values often clash with individual aspirations, non-traditional career paths, and the personal identity searches of younger generations. This tension is not unique to the Batak community, but the Batak offers a compelling and emotional lens through which to examine the struggle between heritage and modernity.
Higher education and academic success are seen by Batak parents as expressions of love and sacrifice for their children, as well as investments in their children’s future. There is a strong sense of optimism that children will lead better lives, earn societal respect, and uphold the family’s good name, despite the high expectations placed upon them. Many Batak parents believe that supporting their children’s pursuit of a stable education is a declaration of love and a desire to see them thrive, feel secure, and be respected in a constantly changing world, not merely a matter of pride.
However, in the midst of modernization and globalization, young Batak descendants, especially those born and raised in urban cities like Jakarta are often struggling between fulfilling family expectations and pursuing their own passions. This inner conflict is not merely a personal story but also a reflection of a larger social struggle surrounding identity, cultural expectations, and self-discovery in an evolving world.
This documentary explores the relevance of these cultural and social issues in today’s context, aligned with the shifting values of urban Indonesian society. The growing awareness of mental health is a key focus in the film, as younger generations increasingly recognize the importance of mental well-being and resist life paths shaped solely by external expectations without regard for personal happiness (WHO Indonesia, 2022). Through the lens of Batak culture, this documentary highlights one of the many social changes taking place: how traditional communities in Indonesia must renegotiate their values in light of modern dynamics.
The urgency of this documentary lies in capturing the ongoing cultural transformation, particularly the tension between inherited family values and modern individual dreams. It aims to provide an open dialogue between generations through the voices of Batak children and their parents. The goal is not to incite debate but to foster understanding of fears, hopes, and aspirations on both sides.
This film intends to serve as a source of validation and inspiration for young people, showing that the struggle of reconciling cultural heritage with personal identity is shared by many. For older generations, it offers an invitation to understand that love and sacrifice for their children do not always mean demanding conformity, but also allowing space to grow. For the broader public, this documentary contributes to the evolving narrative of the modern Indonesian family, one that respects its roots while courageously exploring the future.
Ultimately, this film seeks to build a bridge between generations between collective hopes and individual dreams, between ancestral values and the courage to innovate. In the end, the message shared by both parents and children remains the same, which is love.