Indonesia Enters Ageing Population Phase as Sandwich Generation Burden Grows

Indonesia has officially entered the ageing population phase, marked by a rise in the elderly population exceeding 10% of the total. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data from the 2025 Inter-Census Population Survey (SUPAS) shows the elderly population now stands at 11.97%, indicating a shift towards an ageing society. BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti noted the change is due to slowing population growth and declining fertility rates. The total fertility rate (TFR) is 2.13, nearing replacement level, while the working-age population remains dominant at 68.98%. Fertility rate, a demographic measure of average children born per woman during reproductive years (15-49), is expected to continue falling. The sandwich generation—middle-aged individuals supporting both elderly parents and dependent children—faces mounting pressures, including pension savings, mortgages, education costs, and healthcare needs. Forbes highlights growing fears among adult children about parents running out of money in old age, alongside supporting financially dependent children. These strains affect not only finances but also mental health and quality of life for the productive age group. SUPAS 2025 reveals shrinking youth demographics alongside growing elderly numbers, suggesting the sandwich generation’s challenges will intensify in the coming years.