Theme Announced for 2026 National Elderly Day
The theme for the 30th National Elderly Day (HLUN) 2026 was announced by Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, during a socialisation event held online on Monday (11/5/2026). This year’s theme serves as a call to strengthen care and attention towards the quality of life of the elderly.
The theme for the 30th National Elderly Day is ‘Healthy and Independent Elderly for an Empowered Indonesia’. In his address, Imran Pambudi noted that Indonesia has entered an era of an ageing population since 202<0xC2>1, marked by the number of residents aged 60 and above exceeding 10 per cent of the total national population. Based on survey results presented during the event, the proportion of the elderly in Indonesia has now reached approximately 12 per cent, or about 34 million people. This figure is projected to increase to 20 per cent by 2045.
Imran explained that the increasing elderly population is accompanied by various health challenges resulting from the ageing process. These challenges include declines in physical, mental, and social capacities, as well as an increased risk of non-communicable diseases and geriatric syndromes. ‘Ageing can lead to nutritional problems, mental-emotional disturbances, and a decline in functional capacity, which can result in disability and dependency in daily activities,’ Imran stated.
He noted that the HLUN commemoration serves as a momentum to raise public awareness regarding the importance of respecting, caring for, and creating an inclusive and elderly-friendly environment. ‘No one does not aspire to become elderly. Naturally, we want to be healthy, independent, productive, and dignified elderly individuals,’ he added.
In addition to announcing the 2026 theme, the Ministry of Health is preparing several series of activities, including social media campaigns, webinars, dialogues with the elderly, and the National Elderly Love Movement titled ‘30 Minutes for the Elderly’.
Regarding the history of National Elderly Day, according to the official Ministry of Social Affairs website, the day originates from the role of Dr. KRT Radjiman Wedyodiningrat while presiding over the sessions of the Investigating Committee for Preparatory Work for Independence (BPUPKI) on 29 May 1945. As the eldest member of the session, Radjiman was regarded as possessing the wisdom and great ideas necessary for the nation’s philosophical foundations. Consequently, 29 May is commemorated as National Elderly Day. The first official HLUN commemoration was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Indonesia on 29 May 1996 in Semarang, Central Java.
Referring to Law Number 13 of 1998 concerning the Welfare of the Elderly, social welfare development is directed towards improving the quality of life for the elderly. The regulation explains that the elderly possess experience, expertise, and wisdom that can contribute to national development. Government attention to elderly welfare is further strengthened through Presidential Regulation Number 88 of 2021 concerning the National Strategy for Ageing, through which the government encourages ministries and agencies to realise a prosperous, independent, and dignified elderly population.