Coordinating Ministry for Human Development: 'Life-course' approach required to face ageing population
A ‘life-course’ approach is essential to ensure that societal needs are interconnected and that benefits are felt across generations, according to the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (PMK).
“The life-course approach is important so that the needs of the community can be interconnected and the benefits can be felt across generations,” said Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, Deputy for Coordination of Family Quality Improvement and Population at the Coordinating Ministry for PMK, in Jakarta on Thursday.
According to research by the DBS Foundation titled “Indonesia’s Demographic Transition: Building Readiness Today for a Better Tomorrow”, an ageing society is defined as a situation where 10 per cent of the population is over the age of 60.
In Indonesia, the elderly population has already reached 12 per cent in 2025 and is projected to exceed 20 per cent by 2045. Consequently, the demand for support for the elderly population will increase, placing greater pressure on both current and future productive generations.
Woro stated that the government plays a vital role in strengthening cross-sectoral policies as part of a long-term development agenda, ranging from access to education and healthcare, employment opportunities, and social protection, to services that support quality of life in old age.
“We need to ensure that every stage of life receives the appropriate attention, from early life and education to productive age and entering old age,” Woro added.
She noted that various government programmes are currently directed towards strengthening the quality of human resources while ensuring that the needs of the community at every phase can be met. “With this approach, we are not only preparing society to face old age, but also building a foundation so that they can lead healthy, productive, and prosperous lives from an early age,” she said.
On the other hand, the DBS Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to assisting the social and financial readiness of vulnerable populations across generations.
“An ageing society is an important issue for us because it has implications for all generations. At DBS Foundation, we believe that preparation for an ageing population must begin during the productive years,” said Mona Monika, Head of Group Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia.
Mona stated that the organisation is committed to supporting the readiness of vulnerable communities to become more socially and financially resilient through improved access to education, healthcare, employment, financial literacy, and inclusion, as well as retirement planning.
“We want everyone to be able to undergo the ageing process healthily, productively, prosperously, and independently,” Mona concluded.