Key Message
This study revealed a significant association between physical activity (PA) and mental problems (MHPs) among middle-aged Indonesians. Individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous PA were less likely to experience MHPs compared to those who did not meet recommended PA levels. This association remained strong after adjusting confounding variables such as smoking, alcohol consumption, non-communicable diseases, and socio- demographic factors. Therefore, promoting regular physical activity could be a beneficial strategy for improving mental health status in this population.