National Senior Citizens Day 2026: Ministry of Social Affairs champions East Nusa Tenggara as age-friendly province
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) is advancing East Nusa Tenggara’s status as an age-friendly province through integrated service programmes for National Senior Citizens Day (HLUN) 2026.
‘The presence of elderly residents at the peak of HLUN 2026 celebrations demonstrates NTT’s readiness to become an age-friendly province,’ said Kemensos Director General of Social Rehabilitation Supomo in Kupang on Saturday.
He added that, as part of the 30th HLUN celebrations, Kemensos and the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government have collaborated to provide integrated services including healthcare, accessibility assistance, and social support across 22 regencies and cities.
‘Yesterday, for instance, cataract surgeries were performed on approximately 560 elderly individuals at Naibonat Regional Hospital in Kupang Regency,’ he added.
The government is also providing accessibility aids, hearing aids, elderly economic empowerment, and assistance with identity documents such as ID cards and family cards to ensure data-driven social service access.
‘Kemensos has also introduced entrepreneurship services and home care for elderly individuals living alone who require special attention,’ he said.
Supomo added that collaboration with various stakeholders, including the private sector, is crucial for sustainable services.
He also stressed the importance of family as the primary and warm environment for seniors.
To this end, Kemensos is educating the youth through the Disaster Preparedness Youth (Tagana) and Social Workers (Peksos) Goes to School programmes to foster care for seniors.
He affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening social protection for seniors through services, support, and respect for their dignity.
‘Age is just a number. The older one gets, the richer their experience, and their contributions remain highly valued,’ he said.
According to him, the HLUN 2026 theme ‘Resilient Seniors, Growing Indonesia’ underscores resilience, role modelling, and the active participation of seniors in national development.
‘Being resilient seniors does not mean being without limitations, but rather not succumbing to age,’ he said.
He also confirmed the provincial government’s commitment to improving seniors’ welfare through regulatory strengthening and social security.
The HLUN 2026 climax will feature activities including a health walk, group exercises, free health checks, blood donation, elderly product exhibitions, and entertainment stages.