Indonesia's Ageing Population: Centenarians Recorded as Elderly Numbers Surge

Indonesia is currently experiencing an ageing population, with the number of citizens aged 75 and above reaching approximately 6.37 million, according to the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The data also recorded four citizens aged over 100 years, including a 118-year-old in Bangkalan. Director General Teguh Setyabudi noted that further validation is required to verify the ages of these centenarians. The Ministry of Health reports that the elderly population has grown from 18 million in 2010 to 25.9 million in 2019, driven by increased life expectancy. This demographic shift is accompanied by a rise in non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease among the elderly, increasing the need for long-term care. In response, several insurance companies have introduced financial protection products with coverage extending up to 100 years of age, citing a significant protection gap in Asia. The government is also strengthening community-based health programmes, such as Posyandu Lansia, to support the 74.3 percent of elderly citizens who remain independent, while addressing the needs of those requiring long-term care.