May 29 declared as Senior Citizens' Day

May 29 declared as Senior Citizens' Day

JAKARTA (JP): This coming May 29 will see Indonesia marking National Senior Citizens' Day for the first time.

Minister of Population Haryono Suyono said on Wednesday that his office is coordinating various activities and programs in connection with the day in which the nation will pay its respects to its citizens aged 60 years and above, Antara reported.

Haryono said that based on a survey by his office, the number of people aged 60 and above in 1995 reached 9.8 million out of Indonesia's total population of about 196 million.

Haryono, who also chairs the National Family Planning Board, said his office is also preparing for the growth in the number of senior citizens in Indonesia, especially in view of increasing life expectancy.

He pointed out that average life expectancy in Indonesia is expected to increase from 63 years at present to 70 years old in 25 years time.

His office is currently preparing programs for the senior citizens to help motivate them to stay healthy and productive as well as useful to society, he said.

Now that the government has declared May 29 as National Senior Citizens' Day, the government should draw up programs aimed at encouraging them to continue participation in national development programs, he added.

Other major programs which Haryono's office is involved in this year include participation in the National Education Day campaign in May to encourage children to go to school at least until they are 15 years old, and the National Family Day in June. (emb)