Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Jakarta Strengthens Child and Elderly-Friendly Facilities to Realise Inclusive City

| Source: DETIK Translated from Indonesian | Social Policy
Jakarta Strengthens Child and Elderly-Friendly Facilities to Realise Inclusive City
Image: DETIK

The Jakarta Provincial Government is expanding services for children and elderly residents. Education programmes, public spaces, social protection, health services, and transport accessibility are being prepared so that urban development can be enjoyed by all generations.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that as Jakarta moves towards becoming a global city, it must continue to provide safe spaces, access to services, and opportunities for every resident to develop according to their needs. “The Jakarta Provincial Government will continue to ensure that Jakarta truly becomes a child-friendly province. Since 2022, Jakarta has consistently achieved the title of Child-Friendly Province,” Pramono said during the 42nd National Children’s Day commemoration at City Hall on Monday (20/7/2026).

Efforts to build a child-friendly Jakarta are being carried out by expanding access to education, providing playgrounds, and strengthening protection services. In education, the Jakarta Provincial Government is continuing the Kartu Jakarta Pintar Plus, the Diploma Legalisation Programme, the 13-Year Compulsory Education scheme, and the Free Private School Programme. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the Free Private School Programme is running in 103 schools at the primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, vocational, and special needs levels. These schools, in cooperation with the Jakarta Provincial Government, provide capacity for 10,109 new students.

“For children living in Jakarta, as a child-friendly city, I hope you make the most of the opportunity to study diligently,” Pramono said. “If you wish to continue to a higher level of education, the Jakarta Provincial Government opens the widest possible opportunities through various educational assistance programmes.” Outside of school, Jakarta has 324 Child-Friendly Integrated Public Spaces (RPTRA) spread across various areas. These facilities serve as places for children to play, learn, exercise, and interact with family and the surrounding environment. The Jakarta Provincial Government also provides daycare services and a Women and Children’s Protection Centre. Complaints related to violence can be accessed 24 hours a day through Jakarta Siaga 112, telephone, WhatsApp, or by visiting the service office in Pulogadung, East Jakarta. Prevention efforts are also carried out through family counselling programmes in 267 urban villages, aimed at strengthening parenting patterns and preventing violence against women and children from within the home environment.

Seto Mulyadi, Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Agency, expressed appreciation for the Jakarta Provincial Government’s policies, which he said are truly in the best interests of children. Similar attention is being given to elderly residents. Jakarta is currently home to approximately 1.16 million elderly people, or 10.6 percent of the total population. This significant number makes the needs of senior citizens an important part of city planning for health services, social protection, activity spaces, and mobility. In terms of social protection, the Jakarta Provincial Government distributes the Kartu Lansia Jakarta. As of June 2026, this assistance had been received by 168,497 eligible elderly residents. The Governor noted that the card is prioritised for those in need.

In the health sector, the government provides Integrated Health Posts for the Elderly (Posyandu Lansia) and Geriatric Polyclinics. Residents with limited mobility can also receive home health visits through the ‘Pasukan Putih’ service. This free service is not only for the elderly but also for residents aged 18 and over who suffer from chronic illnesses and have difficulty visiting health facilities. Requests for the service can be made through the JAKI app or emergency numbers 112 and 119. The Jakarta Provincial Government is also developing ‘Sekolah Lansia’ as a space for learning, empowerment, and social interaction. As of July 2026, there are 78 such schools with 2,278 participants. The Governor emphasised that the most important thing for the elderly is to feel productive, happy, and loved by their families.

Ease of mobility is also part of the elderly-friendly policy. Jakarta residents aged 60 and over with a Jakarta ID card can apply for a free travel card to use Transjakarta, MRT Jakarta, and LRT Jakarta at no cost, subject to terms and conditions. This facility helps the elderly access health services, participate in social activities, and reach city spaces without being burdened by travel costs. Maria Ulfani, Chair of the Jakarta Provincial Elderly Communication Forum, expressed appreciation for the health services provided to senior citizens. She noted that the assistance from officers is very helpful for elderly people who are not accustomed to using digital services. Rini, a 65-year-old participant in the Senior School programme, said she was happy to have a space to learn and meet friends her age. Fellow participant Eli Surya, 70, said that joining the school gave her a routine so she does not get bored easily.

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