National Elderly Day: Social Affairs Minister Says Elderly Are Not a Development Burden
Indonesia has entered the ageing population phase, which could become a second demographic bonus leading to Golden Indonesia 2045.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) explained that the elderly are not a development burden but a national asset. ‘The elderly are not a burden but a vital part of society that must be protected, supported, and empowered,’ he stated in a written release on Monday, 29 May 2026.
According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the elderly population will reach 65.82 million, or 20.31%, by 2045. Life expectancy has risen from around 70 years in 2015 to 72 years in 2024 (Susenas 2024).
This situation is a key concern for the government during the 2026 National Elderly Day (HLUN). If the elderly maintain health and productivity, Indonesia could achieve a second demographic dividend, with seniors driving development towards Golden Indonesia 2045. ‘National Elderly Day is a critical moment to reaffirm collective commitment to honouring the elderly,’ he said.
National Elderly Day 2026 Activities
Under the theme ‘Resilient Elderly, Growing Indonesia’, the Ministry of Social Affairs urged society to recognise that human development does not stop at productive age, ensuring everyone, including the elderly, remains respected, protected, and empowered throughout their lives.
The ministry is providing free services during HLUN 2026, including cataract surgery, health checks, physiotherapy, ATENSI Assistance, assistive devices and housing support, civil rights services, and elderly entrepreneurship programmes.
The HLUN 2026 culmination event in East Nusa Tenggara prioritised simple, impactful community initiatives over large ceremonies, involving cross-sector collaboration with communities, businesses, academia, and religious organisations.
Activities were prioritised in regions with high elderly poverty rates, remote, border, and outermost areas (3T), and urban zones with many isolated seniors. HLUN 2026 is being observed across all districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province and nationwide.