MP Urges Central and Regional Governments to Prioritise Elderly Welfare
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Hetifah Sjaifudian, has urged both central and regional governments to provide greater attention to the lives of senior citizens.
Hetifah made this appeal after the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed that a large number of elderly individuals died in displacement camps following earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara due to chronic illnesses. “This serves as a reminder that the elderly require special attention,” Hetifah stated in a briefing confirmed in Jakarta on Saturday.
Furthermore, she mentioned her recent specific working visit by Commission VIII of the DPR RI to the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Centre in Bekasi, West Java. This facility provides integrated services for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, such as healthcare, therapy, social rehabilitation, assistance, and empowerment.
According to her, the services provided to the elderly at this centre should be expanded to other regions. This is particularly important as many seniors face declining health, limited mobility, reduced income, difficulties in accessing public services, as well as loneliness and a lack of social support in their daily lives.
“They are our parents, our teachers, and the generation that helped build the families and society we enjoy today. When their physical abilities decline, the state and society must be increasingly present,” she said.
Hetifah noted that various government policies from both central and regional authorities, such as cash transfers, subsidies, and transport ease, are deemed insufficient for the elderly. “While all these should be appreciated, the needs of the elderly are far broader. We need to consider how they can access continuous health check-ups and medication, accessible public spaces, long-term care services, assistance for those living alone, opportunities to remain active and productive, as well as special protection during disasters and when performing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages,” she added.
Consequently, she reminded the government that elderly issues must become part of the long-term development agenda. Additionally, she encouraged the government to support the revision of Law Number 13 of 1998 concerning the Welfare of the Elderly to address demographic changes and the contemporary needs of senior citizens.
“An elderly-friendly Indonesia is an Indonesia that ensures individuals remain respected, protected, healthy, and have the space to be empowered into their old age,” she concluded.