APRC 2024: Collaboration and Involvement of Regional Governments Key to Facing the Challenges of Demographic Change and Ageism

BALI – The Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas’ Deputy for Population and Employment Maliki, emphasized that as the fourth most populous country in the world, Indonesia faces significant demographic changes. 

“Since 2021, Indonesia has entered the era of an aging population, with more than 10 percent of the population aged over 60 years. In 2023, over 32.5 million Indonesians are elderly. Therefore, aging issues and the care economy have been included in the social transformation agenda of the National Long-Term Development Plan 2025-2045, which emphasizes the need for an inclusive environment for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, women, and other vulnerable groups,” stated Deputy Maliki during the opening session of the Local Government Forum on Aging Policy Development, part of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) on Population Ageing, on Wednesday (11/9). 

Social transformation plays a key role in addressing demographic changes and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development. Australia's Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Astrid Kartika, highlighted the crucial role of local governments in addressing aging and promoting inclusive development. “Local governments are on the front lines of providing services for the elderly. This forum serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening strategic collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region,” she said. 

Echoing Astrid, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Director General of Regional Development Restuardy Daud, emphasized the importance of local governments and the need to synchronize inclusive policies for the elderly in regional planning documents. “Local governments must ensure that these policies are integrated into development programs at the provincial, district, and city levels,” he stressed.

APRC 2024, attended by various representatives from Asia-Pacific countries, is expected to strengthen collaboration in addressing the challenges of an aging population and encourage innovation in inclusive and sustainable policies for the elderly. “Collaboration and cooperation are essential for progress. By combining knowledge, resources, and perspectives, we can create a more cohesive and responsive care system that ensures the elderly receive respect, dignity, and a decent quality of life,” concluded Deputy Maliki.