South Jakarta Administration Campaigns Healthy Living for the Elderly via 30th National Elderly Day
The South Jakarta City Government has conducted a Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS) campaign for the elderly through the peak commemoration of the 30th National Elderly Day at the city level.
“This activity serves as an important momentum for us to strengthen our collective care and role in supporting the welfare of the elderly,” said the Deputy Mayor of South Jakarta, Ali Murthadho, during the celebration at Taman Bendera Pusaka, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, on Tuesday. Ali stated that health is a fundamental human need and a vital asset for every citizen and nation in achieving prosperity. Furthermore, he noted that implementing a healthy paradigm involves strategies to strengthen promotive and preventive efforts, as well as community empowerment.
Ali also expressed hope that the elderly would play a role in conveying messages of health, affection, emotional support, and encouragement to both their peers and the younger generation. “We hope that through this activity, a more caring and inclusive society will be created, providing space for the elderly to play an active role in social life,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Acting Head of the South Jakarta Health Sub-Department, Murniasih Hutapea, explained that the 30th National Elderly Day carries the theme, ‘Healthy and Independent Elderly for an Empowered Indonesia’. This theme was chosen to encourage all parties, including communities, the government, and the public, to increase awareness and participate directly in efforts towards a healthy, strong, and independent elderly population. The event is also expected to increase knowledge among the elderly regarding the importance of maintaining physical, mental, and social health.
“The theme is in line with Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2017 concerning the Healthy Living Community Movement (GERMAS), encouraging cross-sector collaboration for a healthier and more inclusive society for the elderly,” she said. Murniasih hopes the activity will motivate the elderly to adopt healthy lifestyles and optimise healthcare services through promotive, preventive, and rehabilitative activities at public health facilities.
The event, which involved hundreds of elderly individuals from 10 sub-districts, featured health screenings, muscle exercises, communal fruit and protein consumption, discussions, and angklung performances by elderly school students. The Jakarta Provincial Government notes that the number of elderly people in Jakarta has reached 1.16 million, representing approximately 10.6 per cent of the total population.