Prof .Dr.dr Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana, Sked, SpKJ Subsp K (K),MARS. - Biography
Prof. Dr. dr. Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana, SpKJ (K), MARS is a leading figure in the field of cultural
psychiatry in Indonesia. He currently serves as the Head of the Cultural Psychiatry Division at the
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Bali, and as Chair of the Cultural
Psychiatry Section of the Indonesian Psychiatric Association (PDSKJI).
Since 2005, Prof. Lesmana has been deeply involved in community mental health initiatives with the
Suryani Institute for Mental Health. His pioneering work began with identifying and providing care for
people with chronic mental illness in remote areas of Bali, often encountering individuals who had been
shackled or isolated for decades. These efforts highlighted critical gaps in Indonesia’s mental health
system, which traditionally relied heavily on hospital-based care. In response, he became a strong
advocate for holistic, community-based mental health services that integrate medical care with cultural
and spiritual approaches.
Prof. Lesmana has been instrumental in transforming psychiatric education at Udayana University,
embedding cultural psychiatry and spirituality as key components of the curriculum. He has also led the
development of community-based interventions that mobilize families, local doctors, and health workers,
and has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of patients each year, freeing many from physical restraints
and reintegrating them into society.
His innovative therapeutic approach includes the development of Spiritual Hypnosis Assisted Therapy
(SHAT), which is designed to reframe traumatic memories — even those originating from the prenatal
period — within a culturally sensitive, holistic framework. His work is guided by a mind-body-spirit-
sociocultural philosophy, reflecting his belief that mental health care should address the physical,
psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of human well-being.
An accomplished academic and researcher, Prof. Lesmana has collaborated with prestigious universities
worldwide, including the University of Melbourne, University of Edinburgh, University of Sydney,
University of Warwick, University of California (Davis), University of Hawaii, Leiden University, and many
more. He is also an alumnus of the Postgraduate Overseas Specialist Training (POST) program at the
University of Melbourne and a 2021 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) fellow from the U.S.
Department of State.
He has authored several influential books, including Biarkan Anak Berkembang Wajar, Pedofil:
Penghancur Masa Depan Anak, Menembus Pancaran Mata Ibu Kutemukan Diri Ku Kembali, Buku Panduan
Belajar Koas Ilmu Kedokteran Jiwa, Bincang Psikiater, and his latest textbook Buku Ajar Psikiatri.
Guided by a personal mission to humanize and empower those living with severe mental illness, Prof.
Lesmana’s work has not only elevated the standard of mental health care in Indonesia but has also
positioned Bali as a model for community-based mental health interventions. His lifelong dedication
continues to inspire collaboration among health professionals, academics, government bodies, and
communities in building a healthier, more compassionate society.
