Indonesia Encourages Elderly to Remain Productive Amid Aging Population

Indonesia is grappling with an aging population, prompting a national focus on creating environments that support its elderly citizens. The government is actively promoting a new perspective, encouraging older adults to remain active, healthy, and independent, thereby contributing to national development.

Budi Setiyono, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Population and Family Development/Secretary of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), emphasized the need for policies that recognize the elderly as active participants in development. He highlighted their valuable experience and potential contributions to society, advocating for family and community structures that enable continued engagement.

As a tangible commitment, dozens of elderly individuals were honored guests at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony. This event was part of the SIDAYA (Empowered Elderly) program, designed to keep seniors active and engaged within their communities. Budi noted the symbolic importance of involving the elderly in national celebrations, serving as a tribute to their lifelong contributions and strengthening intergenerational bonds.

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The involvement of the elderly in the sacred moment of independence has strategic meaning, which is to pay respect to the seniors who have undoubtedly contributed greatly to the nation and state throughout their lives.

"The involvement of the elderly in the sacred moment of independence has strategic meaning, which is to pay respect to the seniors who have undoubtedly contributed greatly to the nation and state throughout their lives," Budi stated. He added that their presence could serve as a historical bridge, transmitting nationalistic values to younger generations.

The SIDAYA program aims to ensure the elderly remain healthy, independent, and empowered, reducing reliance on family or government support. This demographic shift also prepares Indonesia for the economic implications of a growing elderly population, potentially fostering a "silver economy" driven by the demand for healthcare, products, services, and employment opportunities tailored to seniors. Creating an age-friendly ecosystem involving government, communities, and the private sector is crucial for improving the quality of life as life expectancy rises.

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Their presence is expected to be a historical bridge between generations to transfer the values of nationalism to the younger generation.