APRC 2024: Bappenas Seeks Asia-Pacific Collaboration to Formulate Solutions on Population Aging

BALI – The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, in collaboration with HelpAge International and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) on Population Ageing at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on September 10-13 2024. Running under the theme of "Reframing Ageing," the conference brings together over 450 experts, policymakers, UN members, international organizations, and civil society organizations from across the Asia-Pacific region.

The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas’ Deputy Minister for Population and Employment Affairs Maliki emphasized the importance of reshaping the perspective on aging. 

"Indonesia has successfully increased its life expectancy, but this also means a rapid demographic shift. Currently, more than 11.75 percent of Indonesia's population is elderly, and this figure is expected to rise to over 19 percent by 2045. We must view aging as a lifelong process with a cross-sectoral approach. Starting from the first 1,000 days of life, we need to prepare to ensure that the elderly can contribute as subjects of development, not merely as objects. An intergenerational approach is essential to preparing for a prosperous old age—don’t grow old before becoming wealthy," said Deputy Maliki during the opening of APRC 2024 on Wednesday (9/11).

APRC 2024 serves as a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and policy innovations to help the Asia-Pacific region prepare for demographic shifts. United Nations Deputy Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing population aging in the Asia-Pacific. "Population aging is a collective challenge that must be faced together. It is not just the government's responsibility; all stakeholders need to work together to ensure that the elderly can live healthily and economically secure," Armida explained.

HelpAge International CEO, Cherian Mathews, also emphasized the significance of this conference in bringing together various parties in collaborative efforts to find solutions to population aging. Meanwhile, UNFPA Regional Representative, Pio Smith, reiterated that UNFPA supports a rights-based approach to addressing population aging through various collaborations among countries in the Asia-Pacific.

APRC 2024 is expected to serve as a foundation for formulating inclusive policies for an aging population in the Asia-Pacific region. "Each of us brings valuable experiences and best practices from our respective countries. Let us develop innovative solutions to provide better services to the elderly population in the Asia-Pacific," concluded Deputy Maliki.